In A First, A Temple For Narendra Modi In Tamil Nadu

In a unique tribute, a farmer from Erakudi near Trichy has built a temple dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, spending Rs. 1.25 lakh of his own money.

Shankar, a native of Erakudi village in the Thariyaur area of Trichy district, worked in Dubai before returning to his hometown to pursue agriculture. Inspired by Prime Minister Modi's schemes, Shankar decided to honour him in an extraordinary way, Oneindia Tamil reported.

In 2019, Shankar constructed a temple and erected an idol of Modi. The temple houses a beautiful bust of Prime Minister Modi and features pictures of other notable figures such as Kamaraj, MGR, Jayalalithaa, Amit Shah, and Edappadi Palaniswami.

Shankar's admiration for Modi is profound. He made a vow that if his agricultural yield improved, he would perform special worship in the temple and pray for Modi to become Prime Minister for a third term. With a successful yield of coconut, mango, and cassava, Shankar is fulfillingh his vow by performing special pujas daily, treating Modi as a deity.

Shankar shared his story with our Oneindia Tamil reporter: "I have benefited immensely from Prime Minister Modi's plans. Out of gratitude and admiration, I built this temple. Thanks to the good yield from my crops, I have been offering prayers and worship to Modi every day, considering him as a divine figure. Over the past five years, I have saved Rs. 10,000 from the profits of each crop to support this endeavor."

Following the fulfillment of his wish, Shankar plans to offer gold at Palani Murugan Temple and make a substantial donation. Also, he has arranged to provide food for about 1,000 people from the 10 bags of paddy harvested from his field.

Shankar also expressed his desire to conduct a 'kumbabhishekam' (consecration ceremony) for the Prime Minister's temple. He has deeded a portion of his land to ensure the temple's upkeep even after his time. His fervent wish is for Prime Minister Modi to live long, serve as Prime Minister until 2030, and continue implementing schemes that benefit farmers.

Constructing temples for human beings is not a new phenomenon in India. For instance, Amitabh Bachchan has a temple dedicated to him in Kolkata. Similarly, actress-turned-politician Khushboo Sundar once had a temple named after her, though it was demolished following her controversial remarks on pre-marital sex and AIDS in 2005.

Also, legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has a temple in Pune honouring him.