Leading up to the grand consecration ceremony at the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday commenced a two-day pilgrimage to South India, starting with a visit to the Veerabhadra Temple in Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh.
PM Modi offered prayers at the Veerabhadra Temple and heard verses from the Telugu Ramayana, known as the Ranganatha Ramayan. The temple’s historical importance lies in its association with the Ramayana, where legend has it that Jatayu, the valiant bird who confronted Ravana to protect Sita, fell here after being mortally wounded. It was at this site that Jatayu informed Lord Ram about Sita’s abduction. Upon finding the dying Jatayu, Ram granted him moksha.
The visit follows PM Modi’s recent trip to the Shree Kala Ram Mandir in Nashik, Maharashtra, where he offered prayers and listened to verses from the Marathi Ramayana depicting Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya.
PM Modi’s schedule for the day includes pooja and darshan at the Veerabhadra Temple, followed by a visit to Palasamudram in the Sri Sathya Sai district, where he will inaugurate the new campus of the National Academy of Customs, Indirect Taxes, and Narcotics. In the evening, he will conduct a road show in Kochi, Kerala.
On January 17, PM Modi will visit the Guruvayur Temple in Kerala for pooja and darshan, furthering his devotional journey ahead of the Jan 22 event in Ayodhya.
Security measures were heightened in the Sri Sathya Sai district ahead of PM Modi’s arrival. Officials conducted inspections at various locations, including the National Academy, set to be inaugurated by the Prime Minister.
(Inputs from ANI)