Ever since coming to power, one thing has been constant about Joseph Vijay – his moves seem to be dictated (or guided) by astrology and astrologers.
Right from the time, he was sworn in as Chief Minister, we have noticed this pattern and it continues to this day.
Aragaja Thilakam’ On His Forehead
When Vijay assumed office as Chief Minister, his formal attire attracted attention. But his black forehead mark generated even more discussion.
Reports identified the mark as an Aragaja thilakam, a traditional preparation said to contain ingredients such as musk, gorochana, attar, edible camphor and javvadu. It is traditionally believed by some to ward off negative energies and attract positive energy.
Following reports that Vijay was wearing the mark, interest in Aragaja thilakam reportedly surged, with searches and sales increasing.
Some reports also speculated that the mark was being used to ward off opposition and obstacles after Vijay took charge as Chief Minister.
Silk Veshti On Fridays
Vijay has generally appeared in white shirts and khaki trousers, while also adopting formal Western attire after becoming Chief Minister.
However, he appeared in a silk veshti and shirt on several occasions, including May 29, July 17 and July 31, as per a Vikatan report.
While there were conventional explanations for some of these appearances, including attending a family function, the choice of attire was also linked to astrology.
Friday is traditionally associated with Venus, or Shukra, and white and shimmering silk are considered auspicious for the planet. This led to speculation that Vijay was choosing silk veshti and shirt particularly on Fridays, including during the Tamil month of Aadi.
At the same time, veshti and shirt are also commonly worn for important public and ceremonial occasions, making the astrological interpretation a matter of speculation.
Chief Minister’s Office At Namakkal Kavignar Maligai
Another controversy surrounds the proposed relocation of the Chief Minister’s office from Fort St George to the 10th floor of Namakkal Kavignar Maligai.
The stated administrative reason was lack of space at the existing office.
However, reports claimed that Vijay’s astrologer had advised him to work from a higher location facing the sea, supposedly to remove obstacles and bring favourable results.
The 10th floor of Namakkal Kavignar Maligai, where Cabinet meetings are held, was reportedly preferred by Vijay, following which officials began work on the new office.
‘Jail Pariharam’ Behind Puzhal Prison Visit?
The most unusual claim concerns Vijay’s recent inspection of Puzhal Prison.
Vijay visited the prison and inspected the condition and facilities available to inmates. He also examined the food served to prisoners, the kitchen where it was prepared and medical facilities. The inspection reportedly lasted around an hour, following which he made a surprise visit to the M3 police station and reviewed records and files.
The government’s explanation was that such surprise inspections are part of the Chief Minister’s regular administrative activity.
However, a separate claim circulating in the media linked the prison visit to astrology.
According to the claim, astrologers had allegedly warned that the Sadayam nakshatra would create difficulties for Vijay’s horoscope and that heavy rains expected in Tamil Nadu could create problems for the TVK government.
The alleged astrological remedy was reportedly that Vijay should sit inside a prison and eat prison food. The claim suggested that this was the reason behind his visit to Puzhal Prison.
Another claim went further, alleging that astrologers had advised Vijay to speak to a police officer named Sethu. According to this version, Vijay visited the Puzhal police station and spoke to Inspector Sethu Vasanth Raja after asking him to remain seated in his chair.
These claims have not been established as the reason for Vijay’s inspections.
Kollur Mookambika Visit, Red Thread And Numerology
Other aspects of Vijay’s public life have also been linked to astrology and religious beliefs.
His visit to the Kollur Mookambika Temple, the red thread worn around his wrist and the protective bracelet on his hand have all been subjected to similar speculation.
The closure of 717 TASMAC liquor shops has also been linked by some reports to numerology, with the number allegedly having been chosen for astrological reasons.
Astrology And Vijay’s Film Career
The speculation is not limited to Vijay’s tenure as Chief Minister.
Reports have claimed that even during his film career, Vijay consulted his astrologer before starting teasers, trailers, film shoots and other important projects.
An astrologer described as being close to Vijay has also reportedly claimed that several decisions, including the naming of his political party, were made following astrological advice.
The astrologer was also quoted as saying that he had advised Vijay that “after 6 pm, Lakshmi resides” and that he should avoid negative thoughts, particularly thoughts about the DMK, and instead visualise himself taking oath as Chief Minister.
This has led some to question whether such advice could explain Vijay’s reported reluctance to appear in public after 6 pm.
TVK Rejects Astrology Link
The claims have come under scrutiny because of the TVK government’s stated position on rational and administrative decision-making.
Asked about the various astrology-related claims, TVK chief spokesperson Vaigai Selvan rejected the attempt to connect administrative decisions and Vijay’s personal choices with astrology.
He said, “There is no need to link administrative decisions taken due to lack of space, or his personal habits such as wearing a veshti and shirt, with astrology.”
The repeated claims have nevertheless kept the question alive over whether astrology has any role in Vijay’s personal choices or political decision-making or whether ordinary administrative and personal decisions are simply being given an astrological interpretation.
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