President offers prayers at Orissa’s Jagannath temple

BHUBANESWAR - President Pratibha Patil Wednesday offered prayers at the famous Jagannath temple in Orissa’s Puri city.

Patil, who spent about 50 minutes inside the temple, was accompanied by her husband Devisingh Shekhawat and Governor M.C. Bhandare.

“Special puja was offered by the president during her visit. The puja was performed by her family priest Harekrishna Mahasuar,” a temple priest said.

The official said when Patil offered prayers, devotees were not allowed inside the temple. There was heavy security inside and around the temple.

Before her visit to the Jagannath temple, the president also offered prayers at the Sun temple in Puri. She was then greeted by Gajapati Maharaj, the erstwhile king of Puri, at the temple gate.