Tamil Nadu CM Vijay visits Mookambika Temple in Kollur, donates 1.600 kg silver sword to deity

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) founder C. Joseph Vijay visited the renowned Sri Mookambika Temple in Karnataka's Udupi district on Friday, where he offered prayers to Goddess Mookambika and donated a silver sword weighing 1.6 kilograms to the deity.

Vijay arrived at Mangaluru International Airport from New Delhi and proceeded directly to Kollur, located about 125 kilometres away. After reaching the temple guest house and changing into traditional attire, he visited the shrine amid tight security arrangements and enthusiastic crowds of supporters.

Dressed in a traditional red shalya, Vijay was accorded a ceremonial Poornakumbha Swagatha by temple authorities. Chief priest Ramachandra Adiga performed the customary welcome rituals, and a sacred thread was tied to the Chief Minister's wrist before he entered the temple.

The TVK leader participated in temple rituals, including the Maha Pooje, and spent nearly 20–30 minutes inside the temple premises. Temple authorities confirmed that he offered prayers like any other devotee and did not perform any special sankalpa.

Speaking to reporters, Kollur Mookambika Temple President Babu Hegde said Vijay donated a silver sword weighing 1.6 kilograms as an offering to the Goddess. "He stood before the sanctum sanctorum, prayed, and left after spending about 20 minutes in the temple. All necessary security arrangements had been made," Hegde said.

Hundreds of fans gathered along Vijay's route and near the temple despite light drizzles. Many climbed rooftops, trees, and nearby buildings to catch a glimpse of the Chief Minister as chants of "Thalapathy Vijay" and "Jananayagan Vijay" echoed through the temple town. Vijay briefly greeted supporters before entering the shrine.

Karnataka Health Minister U.T. Khader, along with district officials, received Vijay at Mangaluru airport and presented him with a book. Security was significantly enhanced at both the airport and temple premises, with personnel from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Police deployed for the visit.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, who enjoys Z+ security cover, was accompanied by a close protection team comprising around 40 police personnel, including senior officers from Tamil Nadu. Local police also provided security along the entire Mangaluru-Kollur route.

Authorities had anticipated large crowds due to Vijay's immense popularity in Karnataka. Security arrangements were further strengthened amid concerns over possible protests linked to the ongoing dispute surrounding the proposed Mekedatu project, which the Tamil Nadu government opposes.

Following the temple visit, Vijay was scheduled to return to Chennai on a special flight from Mangaluru later in the evening.

The Sri Mookambika Temple is one of South India's most revered pilgrimage centres and is associated with Adi Shankaracharya, who is believed to have established the deity on a Sri Chakra Yantra. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Mookambika, revered as an embodiment of Adi Shakti, integrating the powers of Maha Kali, Maha Lakshmi, and Maha Saraswati.

Several former Tamil Nadu Chief Ministers, including M.G. Ramachandran, Janaki Ramachandran, and Jayalalithaa, had also visited the temple after assuming office, continuing a long-standing political and spiritual tradition.