Durga Stalin, wife of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, visited the Nimishamba Temple near Mysuru and offered prayers for her husband and son. Photos and videos of her performing rituals at the temple have circulated widely on social media, sparking discussions about the contrast with her son Udhayanidhi Stalin’s previous comments.
The temple visit has gained political attention following Udhayanidhi Stalin’s statements on Sanatan Dharma, which led to national debate and criticism from various Hindu organizations and political groups. Durga Stalin, accompanied by family members and JD(S) MLA G.T. Deve Gowda, visited the temple in Ganjam on an auspicious full moon day.
During her visit, Durga Stalin conducted traditional rituals like ‘Udi Seva’ and offered items like silk sarees, bangles, flowers, fruits, and coconuts to the deity Nimishamba. She also arranged special prayers for her family members, including M.K. Stalin and Udhayanidhi. The temple’s chief priest, Surya Narayana Bhat, oversaw the ceremonies, which included Kumkumarchane and recitals.
After the main shrine, Durga Stalin proceeded to other temples within the complex, such as Mouktikeshwara and Ganapathi, where she participated in religious activities with devotion. Her presence at the temple attracted the interest of devotees and visitors present during her visit.
Udhayanidhi Stalin’s calls for the abolition of Sanatan Dharma due to perceived social inequalities and discrimination have stirred controversy. Despite clarifying that his stance targets caste discrimination and not religious beliefs, his statements have faced backlash and legal challenges. Tamil Nadu BJP leader K. Annamalai criticized the DMK leadership, pointing out what he perceived as hypocrisy in their approach to temple visits and remarks on Sanatan Dharma.
