Chennai,Aug 8
Union Home Minister Amit Shah began a two-day visit to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Saturday, launching his engagements with prayers at prominent spiritual centres in Tiruvannamalai.
Shah arrived in Chennai from Mumbai and was received at the airport by senior leaders of the BJP and the AIADMK, the principal constituents of the NDA in Tamil Nadu. State BJP president Nainar Nagenthran and senior AIADMK functionaries were among those who welcomed him.
Soon after his arrival, the Home Minister travelled by helicopter to Tiruvannamalai, one of Tamil Nadu’s most revered pilgrimage destinations.
Shah first visited the Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram, associated with renowned spiritual teacher Ramana Maharshi, where he offered prayers. He later proceeded to the historic Arunachaleswarar Temple and had darshan of Lord Arunachaleswarar.
His visit came during the Aadipooram Brahmotsavam celebrations at the temple. Shah participated in a special abhishekam and offered prayers during his visit.
The Arunachaleswarar Temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, the five major Shiva temples representing the elements of nature. Tiruvannamalai represents Agni, or fire, and occupies an important place in the Shaivite tradition. Hindu tradition holds that Lord Shiva manifested himself here as an infinite pillar of fire.
The BJP, welcoming Shah to the State, described Tiruvannamalai as part of Tamil Nadu’s spiritual heartland.
Elaborate security arrangements were made in Chennai and Tiruvannamalai for the Home Minister’s visit. Around 1,500 police personnel were deployed at key locations, including areas surrounding the airport, Ramana Maharshi Ashram and Arunachaleswarar Temple. Security was also strengthened along Shah’s travel routes.
Shah’s two-day itinerary includes engagements in Tamil Nadu and neighbouring Puducherry. The joint reception by BJP and AIADMK leaders also underlined coordination between the NDA allies in the State.
The Home Minister is scheduled to continue his engagements on Sunday before concluding his two-day southern tour.
