CM Vijay’s Visit to Kollur Mookambika (June 12, 2026)
On June 12, 2026, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay visited the famous Kollur Sri Mookambika Devi Temple in Karnataka, becoming the third Tamil Nadu Chief Minister – after MGR and Jayalalithaa – to seek the blessings of Goddess Mookambika after assuming office.
He was welcomed with a traditional Poorna Kumbha (holy water pot) and offered prayers at the temple, which is regarded as one of the most sacred Shakti Peethas in South India.
This visit made big news not just because of Vijay’s massive popularity, but also because it revived memories of the deep spiritual connection Tamil Nadu’s leadership has shared with this temple for decades.
What Makes This Temple So Powerful?
Located in Kollur, Udupi district, Karnataka, this temple is one of the rare places where the goddess is worshipped as both Shakti (energy) and a Jyotir Linga (form of Shiva).
- Deity: Goddess Mookambika (Divine Mother)
- Main Idol: Swayambhu (self-manifested)
- Devotees: Mostly from Kerala, followed by a large number from Tamil Nadu – the temple consistently ranks among the top pilgrimage destinations for devotees from both states.
Devotees believe the goddess removes obstacles, grants wisdom, and brings prosperity.
Tamil Nadu Leaders & Their Divine Connection
MGR
MGR, an ardent devotee of Goddess Mookambika, donated a golden sword to the temple as a mark of devotion. He believed the goddess blessed both his film career and his political journey.
Janaki Ramachandran
Janaki Ramachandran, who hailed from Udupi district herself, maintained deep reverence for the temple and visited after becoming Chief Minister – a connection rooted in her own home region.
Jayalalithaa
Jayalalithaa visited the temple multiple times during her tenure and started ‘Annadhanam’ (free food scheme) for devotees, continuing the tradition of giving back to the temple.
CM Vijay (2026)
Following in the footsteps of these leaders, CM Vijay’s visit and his offerings to the goddess have once again brought national attention to this decades-old bond between Tamil Nadu’s leadership and the shrine in Karnataka.
How to Reach Kollur Mookambika Temple from Tamil Nadu
If CM Vijay’s visit has inspired you to plan your own pilgrimage to Kollur, here’s how Tamil Nadu devotees usually travel:
By Flight + Road: The fastest option is to fly from Chennai to Mangalore, then take a taxi or bus covering around 130 km to reach Kollur – the entire journey takes roughly 5 hours.
By Train: Devotees can take a train from Chennai to Mangalore, and from there continue to Byndoor or Kundapura, which are the nearest railway stations to the temple, about 28-40 km away. Local taxis and buses are easily available from the station to the temple.
By Bus: Direct buses run from Chennai’s CMBT (Koyambedu) towards Mangalore and Kollur, though this is a longer journey of around 15-18 hours, making it a good option for budget travelers with more time.
Best Time to Visit: The temple sees the largest crowds during Navaratri, so if you prefer a peaceful darshan, plan your visit on a regular weekday outside festival season.
Bring the Divine Energy to Your Home with AK Crafts
Temples like Kollur Mookambika remind us how sacred spaces – filled with the right symbols, lamps, and divine images – create an atmosphere of peace and positivity. You don’t need to travel far to bring that same energy into your home. A well-set-up pooja room can become your own personal space of devotion and calm, every single day.
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