Madurai’s Rajini Temple showcases a Rajinikanth-themed kolu

S Karthik, a diehard Rajini fan, is giving the final touches to a life-size foam cut-out of the actor as you read this. The cut-out is a still from upcoming Rajinikanth film Jailer 2, directed by Nelson. On the day of the film’s release, Karthik will be doing milk and curd abishekam to it in his famed Shri Arulmigu Rajini Kovil in Thirumangalam near Madurai. He will also be breaking 173 coconuts (equivalent to the number of films he has anchored) as an offering. The cut-out is part of a Rajini-themed kolu Karthik has set up for Navratri.

The temple, that has been in existence since 2023, is Karthik’s love letter to his ‘Thalaivar’. It has a sanctum santorum with a 3.5 ft tall stone statue of the actor in a pose from his iconic 1989 film Mappillai. There also is another stone statue of Rajini that is three ft tall, weighing 250 kilograms. The 49-year-old performs regular poojas, artis, and abishekams to the main idol, even celebrating festivals such as Navratri and Pongal.

Here is a visual story from The Hindu on Navaratri Kolu. You can even use the widget to build your own kolu: https://www.thehindu.com/infographics/2026-10-12/navratri-2026-bommai-kolu/index.html

This year, he has set up 23 kolu steps featuring 230 stills arranged as foam sheets in the temple. Karthik shifted the temple to a new location in the same town last year, and has pasted as many as 7,500 stills of the actor on the walls and ceiling. He performs evening arti to the Rajini kolu, and has fans visiting every day for dharshan. “Everyone who visits gets a box of sweets and a cup of coffee,” says Karthik, adding that he ensures he buys lunch for visitors who come from far-off places.

Karthik has come up with some innovative displays for the kolu. This includes a leaf painting of the actor, folded letters from his name that open out into his film stills, among others. “I keep thinking of ways to do something new for thalaivar,” says Karthik, adding that he has framed the clothes, pen and diary Rajini gifted his family when they met him at his Poes Garden residence in 2024. “I want to extend this collection to create a small museum,” he says.

Over the years, Karthik has been witness to some extraordinary acts of love for the actor from fellow fans. “Families visit the temple with their children, go around the statue like they would in any other temple,” he says. “There are people who cry in front of the statue, who place wedding invitations at thalaivar’s feet… they even tell him their problems hoping for a solution.”

He is also getting made a three ft tall neem wood statue of Rajini, that will soon be installed at the temple. “It will be in his bus conductor outfit,” says Karthik: “Thalaivar’s favourite.” People are welcome to visit the kolu, but Karthik requests them to call him first. He will be busy over the next few days because of the release of Jailer 2. For Karthik watches every Rajini release numerous times.

Located at 279, Zion Nagar, 2nd Main Street, Thirumangalam, Madurai. Call 8778525269