Chennai, June 13:
Chief Minister and TVK founder Vijay on Friday visited Mangaluru and offered darshan at the renowned Goddess Moogambikai temple at Kollur in Karnataka’s Udupi district.
With this visit, Vijay becomes the third Chief Minister from Tamil Nadu after M.G. Ramachandran and J. Jayalalithaa to offer prayers at this revered shrine, which attracts devotees from across southern states including Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.
Historical significance surrounds the temple visits by former leaders. MGR had gifted a 2.5-foot-long golden sword to the Goddess, which continues to be displayed during special pujas. Later, Jayalalithaa, during her visit on July 30, 2004, for the Chandika Yaga, held the sacred sword.
Vijay arrived in Mangaluru from Delhi, where he had met Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior Congress leaders, and attended the 11th NITI Aayog meeting. He received a rousing welcome at the Mangaluru International Airport, with supporters greeting him enthusiastically by blowing whistles, the party’s poll symbol.
From the airport, Vijay travelled over 100 kilometres under tight security to reach the temple. He was accorded traditional temple honours by priests and authorities before offering special prayers.
Following the darshan, Vijay departed for Chennai on a special flight.