Pics: Silvester D'Souza
Daijiworld Media Network – Kundapur (SP)
Kundapur, Aug 26: Rajinikanth, perhaps the biggest superstar of Indian cinema with a strongly committed fan following, visited Goddess Mookambika Temple in Kollur in the taluk on Monday August 25 morning. He paid obeisance to the goddess and offered special puja during this surprise visit.
About two weeks back, there had been strong rumours that Rajini would be arriving at Kollur, but the expectations of his fans were belied, as he did not come.
On Monday, even the temple management was not informed in advance about Rajini's arrival. His fans, who are present all over south India in large numbers, with a considerable presence in the taluk too, got a surprise glimpse of the star at Kollur at a time they never expected it.
Even though Rajini has acted in movies in different languages including Kannada and Hindi, the former bus conductor happens to be the darling of the masses who are ready to do anything for him, in Tamil Nadu because of his inimitable acting style, philanthropic initiatives, and simple lifestyle. When he faced serious health problems in the recent past, he had, it is gathered, taken a religious vow to visit Goddess Mookambika temple once he regains health. 'Linga', a movie with Rajini in the lead, is being shot near Thirthahalli in Shimoga district. Rajini wanted to use this opportunity to meet the religious vow he had taken, by visiting Kollur, which is located nearby.
Rajini said he is elated at the sight of the bounteous nature in rural Karnataka. He expressed the opinion that he is feeling reinvigorated and fresh after paying obeisance to the goddess, who is seated amidst beautiful nature. Rajini had visited this temple town about 23 years ago. He has grown in leaps and bounds since then in stature and popularity, catapulting to global fame during this period and earning scores of national and state level awards for his performances. Those fans who got to see him felt lucky at the surprise gift of their life, while those who were waiting for his visit but did not come to know in advance that he was in Kollur on Monday, were disappointed.
Temple managing trustee, Krishnaprasad Adyantaya, administrative officer, L S Maruti, and superintendent, Krishnamurty, accorded welcome to the superstar and honoured him during his visit to the temple.
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