Temple officials cite existing court order on entry of non-Hindus; police say visit is yet to be confirmed

Madurai, Sept 2026 : Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay is likely to visit the Meenakshi Amman Temple here on September 28 during his first trip to Madurai since assuming office, although police said the temple visit has not yet been included in his confirmed itinerary

According to temple officials, Vijay may offer prayers at the shrine around 4 p.m. after attending official programmes at Government Rajaji Hospital and the renovated Gandhi Museum. They said arrangements were being examined for the proposed visit, including the possibility of requiring a declaration regarding his faith before entry into the inner shrines

The inner shrines of Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar are traditionally restricted to Hindus. Temple officials said a Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court had permitted non-Hindus to worship after submitting a declaration. Accordingly, they said Vijay may be asked either to submit a declaration stating his faith in Hinduism or sign an application to that effect

However, police officials have said that the hospital and museum programmes are currently part of the confirmed schedule, while the temple visit would depend on the Chief Minister’s decision. Final arrangements for the proposed temple visit had not been formally announced as of Saturday

Vijay is expected to reach Madurai by private aircraft around 11 a.m. Security arrangements have been strengthened along the airport road and other routes. Barricades have been installed, with the Chief Minister expected to greet supporters during his journey

From the airport, his convoy is scheduled to proceed to Government Rajaji Hospital, where he will launch the ‘Thai Maman Thanga Mothiram’ scheme. Under the programme, eligible children born in government hospitals will receive one-gram gold rings. The first phase involves 1.28 lakh rings, with the scheme covering eligible newborns from June 22, 2026

Vijay is also scheduled to inaugurate the renovated Gandhi Museum at around 1 p.m. The museum has undergone renovation at a cost of Rs 10.25 crore. He is then expected to proceed to the Circuit House for lunch and a brief rest before continuing his engagements

If the temple visit takes place, the administration is expected to accord Vijay a traditional ‘poorna kumbham’ welcome. Devotees could face temporary restrictions on entry during his visit, while additional security and traffic-control measures are likely to be put in place