Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accompanied by his wife Sonal Shah, offered prayers at the Sri Kottai Bhairavar Temple at Tirumayam Fort on Thursday, drawing attention to the temple’s unique and powerful deity.Unlike typical Bhairavar idols, which face south, the Bhairavar deity at Tirumayam Fort faces north. This unusual orientation is believed by locals to be exceptionally powerful, capable of warding off evil, mitigating Sani Dhosham (malefic effects of Saturn), and protecting devotees from enemies. Worshipping Kala Bhairavar facing north, especially on Ashtami day, is considered particularly auspicious and believed to bring fortune.
Amit Shah’s visit to the temple was initially planned for April 12 during his election campaign in Tamil Nadu. However, heavy rainfall prevented his helicopter from reaching the site from Madurai, leading to a postponement.
On Thursday, Shah arrived in Tiruchy by a special flight and then traveled to Kanadukathan village in Sivagangai by helicopter. From there, he continued by road to the temple in Tirumayam. Upon arrival, he offered prayers at several temples within the fort complex, including the Sathyamurthy Perumal Temple, Sathyagireeswarar Temple, and Raja Rajeswari Ambal Temple. Following these visits, he proceeded to the Bhairavar Temple, where temple authorities honored him.
Despite the presence of numerous BJP workers eager to meet him, Shah avoided interaction and promptly departed for Kanadukathan by road. From there, he returned to Tiruchy before leaving for Tirupati. He was accompanied by BJP State President K Annamalai, leader H Raja, and other party officials.