Madurai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is expected to visit the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai on September 28, although his temple visit and the detailed itinerary are yet to be officially confirmed.
The proposed visit would be his first official trip to Madurai since taking charge as Chief Minister. Preparations are reportedly underway ahead of his visit to the temple.
A key issue surrounding the proposed visit is the entry protocol for the inner precincts of the historic temple. Entry into the sanctum sanctorum of Meenakshi Amman and Sundareswarar is restricted to Hindus.
Temple authorities have indicated that if Vijay seeks permission to enter the sanctum sanctorum and offer prayers, he may have to follow the prescribed procedure, which could include submitting a declaration affirming his faith in Hinduism.
Officials said the process governing entry by those whose religious status is in question would be implemented in accordance with existing temple rules and relevant court directions.
The possibility of such a declaration has become a point of discussion ahead of the proposed visit. However, there has been no official confirmation from the Chief Minister’s Office on whether Vijay will enter the sanctum sanctorum or whether he will be required to sign any declaration.