Chennai: Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Tamil Nadu on Saturday for a two‑day visit to the State and neighbouring Puducherry, beginning his engagements with visits to prominent spiritual centres in Tiruvannamalai.
Shah, who arrived in Chennai from Mumbai, was accorded a warm reception at the airport by senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (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 present to receive the Union Home Minister.
Following the reception, Shah travelled by helicopter to Tiruvannamalai, one of Tamil Nadu’s most prominent pilgrimage centres and an important destination for devotees of Lord Shiva.
The Home Minister first visited the Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram, the spiritual centre associated with renowned sage Ramana Maharshi, where he offered prayers. He later proceeded to the historic Arunachaleswarar Temple and had darshan of Lord Arunachaleswarar.
Shah’s visit coincided with the ongoing Aadipooram Brahmotsavam celebrations at the temple. He participated in a special abhishekam and offered prayers as part of his visit.
The Arunachaleswarar Temple is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, the five major Shiva temples associated with the five elements of nature. Tiruvannamalai represents Agni, or fire, and holds a special place in the Shaivite tradition. According to Hindu belief, Lord Shiva manifested himself at Tiruvannamalai as an infinite pillar of fire.
Welcoming Shah, the BJP said in a social media post that it was extending a warm welcome to him on his visit to the spiritual land of Tamil Nadu and Tiruvannamalai.
Elaborate security arrangements were put in place in Chennai and Tiruvannamalai for the Home Minister’s visit. Around 1,500 police personnel were deployed at key locations, including the airport and areas surrounding the ashram and temple, while security was tightened along his travel route.
Shah’s two‑day tour covers engagements in Tamil Nadu as well as Puducherry. His reception by leaders of both the BJP and AIADMK also highlighted the coordination between the NDA partners in the State.
The Union Home Minister is scheduled to continue his engagements on Sunday as part of the second day of his visit before concluding the tour.
(IANS)
