The Sree Dharmasastha Temple in Thulaseendrapuram is the ancestral temple of Kamala Harris' mother, Shyamala Gopalan.
Published Date – 5 November 2024, 12:18 PM
School children react as they walk past a banner featuring Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris in Thulasendrapuram, the hometown of Harris maternal grandfather, in Tamil Nadu. — Photo:AP
Chennai: Special puja was being held at the Shree Dharmasastha Temple at Thulaseendrapuram in Tiruvayur district, Tamil Nadu, the ancestral village of US Vice President Kamala Harris, for her victory in the Presidential polls.
The Sree Dharmasastha Temple in Thulaseendrapuram is the ancestral temple of Kamala Harris‘ mother, Shyamala Gopalan. Kamala’s grandfather, PC Gopalan, played a key role in renovating the family’s ancestral temple, and the family regularly visits to attend pujas dedicated to their family deity.
A temple board shows that Kamala offered Rs 5,000 as a donation to the temple, a gesture carried out by her aunt, Sarala Gopalan, on her behalf. Kumaresan, a villager in Thulaseendrapuram said, “The whole village is praying for Kamala, who has roots here. Several poojas have been conducted for her across many temples, including her ancestral Sree Dharmasastha Temple.”
He added, “She is a woman fighting for a position that can influence global affairs, and we are proud to be part of her legacy. We are praying earnestly for her victory.” The village is hopeful for Kamala’s success, and if she wins, they plan to celebrate with ‘annadanam’ (free food distribution).
DMK councillor Arulmozhi and her spouse T. Suthakar have conducted a special ‘abisheka’ (coronation) with sandalwood, turmeric, and other sacred items, along with puja to the presiding deity at the Dharmasastha Temple, the family deity of Kamala’s ancestors.
Suthakar said, “We are praying for the victory of our daughter of the soil. Let her become the president of the most powerful country in the world.” A Madurai-based spiritual organisation, Anushanathin Anugraham, was also organising special pujas for Kamala Harris’ victory.
Priests are chanting Vedic mantras to ‘Kanchi Mahaperiyava’, Lord Krishna, Lord Murugan, Valli, Deivanai, Lord Rama, and Goddess Kamatchi Amman, performing dhyanam for Kamala;s success. Posters in Tamil have appeared across the village, praying for Kamala’s victory.
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