India is the land of spirituality and boasts of a rich spiritual legacy of thousands of years. It is home to ancient temples, mystical shrines, divine saints, yogis and gurus. People from all parts of the world travel to India lured by its spirituality. Indian Prime minister, Narendra Modi is not only a globe –trotting political leader, he is a devout believer in religion and spirituality.
The energetic PM not only matches steps with modernity, he cherished the ancient roots of India. From the high altitude Kedarnath temple to the 21st century Akshardham Temple, from the forgotten temples to the most visited shrine, here is the list of India’s famous temple visited by Prime Minister Modi.
Akshardham Temple, Delhi
On 10 April 2017, the Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi took the then visiting Prime Minister of Australia, Malcolm Turnbull to the Swaminarayan Akshardham in New Delhi. Both dignitaries paid respects to Bhagwan Swaminarayan. Walking through the Akshardham Mandir, both leaders experienced serenity and discussed social harmony, peace and spirituality.
They performed ‘abhishek’, the ceremonial pouring of sacred water from 151 holy rivers, lakes and ponds across India. Lastly, they went on Sanskruti Vihar boat ride exhibition, a cultural voyage that sails through 10,000 years of India’s glorious heritage, highlighting India’s contributions to humanity through the ages.
Kedarnath Temple, Uttarakhand
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 3 May 2017, had visited the Kedarnath temple in Uttarakhand. The holy shrine is a part of the Chardham Yatra and is the abode of one of the 12 divine Jyotirlingas in India, a form of Lord Shiva. The 8th century temple is located in high altitude of the mountain state and remains closed for a six-month winter break. On its opening for the holy yatra that begins in May which lasts till October, the PM paid his respects to the divine Lord. He performed ‘rudrabhishek’ and other rituals on the divine Shivling.
He completed the divine Kedarnath yatra by helicopter. The visit to the temple was also coupled with paying respects to the pilgrims that lost their lives in the flash flood of 2013.
Lingaraj Temple, Orissa
On April 16, 2017 PM Modi made a visit to the ancient Lingraj Temple in Bhubaneswar in Orissa. The 11the century temple is one of the prominent shrines of Lord Shiva. The PM worshipped Lord Lingraj inside the sanctum sanctorum with offerings of milk, juice of tender coconut, leaves of Bengal quince (bael) and flowers. Going around the stone-floored premises of the temple complex, he also paid obeisance to 50 smaller shrines and sought the blessings of Lord Shiva.
The PM was impressed and in awe of the historical and architectural significance of Lingaraj Temple, which he also shared in a tweet.
Kal Bhairav Temple and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the temple town of Varanasi on 3rd March 2017, after his political obligations he paid a visit to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Kaal Bhairav temple. Kashi Vishwanath temple is regarded as one of the most popular Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located on banks of River Ganga, the source of salvation it is one of the most spiritual shrines in the country. The Kaal Bhairav Mandir in Varanasi is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s fiercest forms of Kaal Bhairav.
The PMs Visit to Varanasi is always extra special as the oldest city in human civilization is the spiritual heart of India. Rooted in ancient wisdom and rituals, the town opens up to the secrets of the self and the universe.
I hope you all are desirous of walking in the footsteps of our admirable Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If the desire to visit these temples has been aroused within you, then check out the various packages and deals offered at Indiapilgrimtours.com which promise to enhance your visit to these beautiful temples.