Chief Minister Vijay on Monday evening visited the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, where he signed a form declaring that he has faith in Hindu religious worship before offering prayers.
It was his first visit to Madurai after taking office. Earlier in the day, he attended the launch of the “Thaymaman Thanga Modhiram” scheme and took part in the inauguration of the renovated Gandhi Museum.
He reached the temple around 4.15 pm, entered through the Chithirai Street side and greeted people gathered on either side. At the Ashtasakthi Mandapam, priests accorded him a traditional welcome with “poorna kumbham” honours, and he was received by Minister Ramesh, trustee board chairperson Rukmani, other trustees and officials.
The Chief Minister offered fruits to the temple elephant Parvathi and then had darshan at the Amman shrine, sitting near the Artha Mandapam. After the deeparadhana, he applied kumkum given by the priest and also worshipped at the Mukkurni Vinayagar and Swami shrines.
As he had earlier instructed that devotees should not be inconvenienced, regular darshan queues continued alongside his visit. After viewing the golden flagstaff, he received coconuts and fruits offered by the temple, while Minister Ramesh presented a Meenakshi idol; trustees also gave a Meenakshi picture and silk cloth. He left the temple around 5.15 pm and departed for Chennai around 6 pm.
