Bhubaneswar, Apr 16: Amidst tight security, PM Narendra Modi for the first time visited the famous 11th century Lingaraj temple in Bhubaneswar today. Offering Jack tree (bel) leaves and flower to the the lord, PM Modi performed abhisekh at the temple.
Modi after reaching the temple at around 8.45 am today, was welcomed by Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Samir Mohanty and other officials. While getting inside, the servitors of the temple presented Modi with a Khandua and then accompanied him inside.
A special guide was arranged by the temple authorities, who briefed Modi about the temple, the courtyard, the significance of Lord Lingaraj & rituals of the temple. He was pleased after seeing the temple architecture and carvings around the walls of the temple and the courtyard. He spent around 15 mins in the temple looking around the architecture and the beauty of the 11th century shrine. He was also presented with Korakhai & Arisa Pitha prasads, specially prepared by the temple authority.
Moving out of the temple, Modi waved at the huge crowd awaiting to see a glimpse of the PM, and then left for Meeting at the Janata Maidan.
