Udupi: A cluster of high-profile visits has put Kollur Sri Mookambika Temple in Kundapur taluk in sharp focus, with BJP Karnataka president BY Vijayendra joining Tamil Nadu chief minister C Joseph Vijay and businessman Anant Ambani in offering prayers at the shrine in recent days.Vijayendra visited the temple Monday and offered special pujas to commemorate the 12th year of Narendra Modi’s tenure as Prime Minister of India.The back-to-back visits underline the shrine’s continued draw across regions and spheres of influence. The temple has, in recent years, attracted a steady stream of VVIPs and VIPs.Founded by Sri Adi Shankaracharya over 1,200 years ago, the temple had the patronage of several local kings, including those from the Kelady dynasty. It has remained a prominent destination for devotees and public figures.Temple committee president Babu Shetty told TOI that devotees from across Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and other states visit to offer prayers and perform pujas, including Chandika Yaga.An average of 6,000 to 7,000 devotees visit the temple daily, with footfall rising to around 12,000 during peak season. The temple provides anna prasada (free meals) to all devotees every day, Shetty said.Among those who have visited the shrine are former President Pranab Mukherjee; Tamil Nadu chief ministers MG Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa; former Chief Justice of India MN Venkatachalaiah; cricketers Venkatesh Prasad, Anil Kumble, WV Raman and GR Vishwanath; music director Ilaiyaraaja; singer KJ Yesudas; and actor Rajinikanth. Ministers from many South Indian states, especially Kerala, have also been visiting the temple.Anant visits Sri Krishna Mutt
Anant Ambani visits Sri Krishna Mutt in Udupi Sunday
Anant Ambani, who visited Kollur Temple, also offered prayers at Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt Sunday.
