Planetary Politics: Astrologers and Rituals in High Demand as Tamil Nadu Candidates Seek Divine Edge
While the official campaign trail heats up across Tamil Nadu, a parallel spiritual battleground has been active for months, with candidates and their inner circles fervently seeking celestial favor to secure electoral victory.
Rituals and Predictions Fuel Campaign Strategies
Since December, Kodambakkam-based astrologer K B Gopalakrishnan reports a significant surge in requests for the 'shatru samharam' ritual, believed to help vanquish political foes. "Candidates across party lines firmly believe these practices will empower them to overcome opponents," Gopalakrishnan explains.
The phenomenon extends beyond individual consultations. Families and close associates of candidates are actively engaging astrologers and priests, commissioning elaborate ceremonies that include:
- Pulling golden chariots in temple processions
- Conducting detailed rituals with deities bathed in milk
- Booking special church masses for divine blessings
- Organizing annadanams (food offerings for the poor)
Astrological Guidance Shapes Political Decisions
Astrologer 'Nalla Neram' Nagaraj, specializing in auspicious timing, reveals that candidates from DMK, AIADMK, and TVK regularly seek his predictions. "The inquiries follow a clear pattern," Nagaraj notes. "First, they ask about ticket allocation. Then, they want to know if they will win, and if not, when their political moment will arrive."
Beyond simple predictions, candidates request specific guidance on:
- Favorable colors to wear for enhanced luck
- Auspicious temples to launch campaign activities
- Optimal times to file nomination papers
- Assessment of election dates through astrological lenses
Temple Pilgrimages and Ritual Bookings Multiply
Prominent political figures have publicly embraced these practices. AIADMK's Edappadi K Palaniswami and BJP's Mylapore candidate Tamilisai Soundararajan both initiated their campaigns at Chennai's historic Kapaleeswarar Temple. Similarly, NTK's Seeman began his Karaikudi bid after prayers at Tiruttani Murugan Temple, potentially countering the constituency's reputation as challenging terrain.
DMDK general secretary Premallatha Vijayakanth, contesting from Virudhachalam, also offered prayers at the same Murugan temple, highlighting the cross-party nature of these spiritual preparations.
Former Villivakkam candidate Sriharan Balan confirms that some political parties discreetly evaluate horoscopes during candidate selection. "Winnability isn't merely a political calculation; it has become a planetary consideration," Balan asserts.
Celestial Timing Informs Daily Campaign Activities
Astrologer Shelvi K Damodaran explains how candidates meticulously align their schedules with astrological principles. Many follow 'guligai', a daily 90-minute window considered highly auspicious, and favor specific hora periods like surya, budha, and chandra while avoiding mars and saturn hours.
"Timing has transformed into a strategic campaign element," Damodaran emphasizes. "Candidates treat favorable celestial periods as opportunities to maximize their outreach and impact."
Temples and Religious Sites Experience Increased Activity
HR&CE officials report that party cadres from various political affiliations are actively booking temple rituals, particularly in prominent locations like Palani, Vadapalani, and Kapaleeswarar Temple. Popular services include:
- Thanga rathams (golden chariot processions)
- Archanas (devotional chanting ceremonies)
- Vada malai offerings (garlands made of urad dal vadais) to Anjaneyar
- Pilgrimages to major temples like Tiruvannamalai and Meenakshi Amman
The spiritual outreach extends beyond Hindu temples. Churches report special mass bookings for candidates, while Islamic places of worship also see pre-election visits. Ilyas Riyaji, head imam of Mandaveli mosque, observes, "Candidates frequently visit dargahs and other Islamic sites seeking blessings before elections."
This blending of political ambition with spiritual practice underscores a unique dimension of Tamil Nadu's electoral landscape, where campaign offices and temple sanctums operate as complementary arenas in the pursuit of power.
