Byndoor: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay visited the renowned Sri Mookambika Temple at Kollur in Byndoor taluk of Udupi district on Friday and offered prayers amid tight security arrangements and a large gathering of supporters.

Vijay arrived at Mangaluru International Airport earlier in the day, where he was received by Karnataka Health Minister U.T. Khader. He later travelled by road to Kollur, acknowledging supporters gathered along the route by waving to them.

This was Vijay’s first visit to the Mookambika Temple since assuming office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. On reaching the temple, he was welcomed by the temple administration and officials before offering prayers and having darshan of Goddess Mookambika.

Elaborate security arrangements were put in place by the Udupi district police in view of the visit. A heavy police presence was deployed along his route and around the temple premises, while senior officers remained stationed at the venue as part of the Z-Plus security protocol.

A large number of supporters had gathered outside the temple well before Vijay’s arrival. Despite heavy rain, many waited for hours, while some climbed trees and nearby buildings to catch a glimpse of the popular leader. As Vijay arrived, supporters raised slogans in his favour, including chants of “Dalapathy Vijay” and “Jana Nayagan Vijay”.

Police personnel faced difficulty in controlling the crowd and, at certain points, resorted to a mild lathi charge to disperse enthusiastic supporters and maintain order.

As a precautionary measure, police had advised devotees to avoid visiting the temple between noon and evening if possible. However, authorities clarified that devotees were not barred from entering the temple.

Meanwhile, activists of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike who had gathered in Udupi district carrying black flags and raising slogans against the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister were taken into custody by the police as a preventive measure.

No public programme or interaction was scheduled during Vijay’s visit, and he departed after offering prayers at the temple.