Union Home Minister Amit Shah arrived in Tamil Nadu on Saturday for a two-day visit to the state and neighbouring Puducherry. He began his tour with visits to prominent spiritual centres in Tiruvannamalai.
Shah reached Chennai from Mumbai, where senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and AIADMK leaders welcomed him at the airport.
State BJP president Nainar Nagenthran and senior AIADMK functionaries attended the reception.
Shah then travelled by helicopter to Tiruvannamalai, a major pilgrimage destination for Lord Shiva devotees. He first visited the Sri Ramana Maharshi Ashram and offered prayers. He later visited the historic Arunachaleswarar Temple and had darshan of Lord Arunachaleswarar.
The Minister’s visit coincided with the temple’s ongoing Aadipooram Brahmotsavam celebrations.
Shah participated in a special abhishekam and offered prayers.
The Arunachaleswarar Temple forms part of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalams, the five major Shiva temples associated with nature’s five elements.
Tiruvannamalai represents Agni, or fire. Shaivite tradition regards the site as sacred. Hindu belief holds that Lord Shiva appeared there as an infinite pillar of fire.
The BJP welcomed Shah on social media and described Tamil Nadu and Tiruvannamalai as spiritual lands.
Authorities deployed elaborate security arrangements in Chennai and Tiruvannamalai.
Around 1,500 police personnel guarded key locations, including the airport, ashram and temple.
Officials also strengthened security along Shah’s travel route.
The two-day tour includes engagements across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. His reception by BJP and AIADMK leaders also highlighted coordination between the NDA partners in Tamil Nadu.
Shah will continue his engagements on Sunday before concluding the visit.
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