Chikkamagalur: Congress National President Rahul Gandhi, accompanied by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and senior party leaders, visited Sringeri Sharadamba Temple on March 21 as part of the Janashirvad Yathra.
Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to poll-bound Karnataka, visited Sharadamba temple in Sringeri Matt premises and offered prayers. He also sought blessings of His Holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya Sri Sri Bharati Tirtha Mahaswamiji, two days before latter’s 68th Vardhanti Mahotsava celebrations.
Clad in dhoti for his visit to the temple in the hill town, considered the first Hindu monastery set up by Adi Shankarachya, Gandhi met the students of “Veda Pathashala” at the mutt.He also interacted with the students of the Rajiv Gandhi Sanskrit University in Sringeri Matt.
Rahul Gandhi had skipped Udupi Krishna Matt visit during his 2-day tour in view of his planned visit to Sringeri Matt.
The AICC chief is scheduled to address public meetings in Chikkamagaluru and Hassan March 21.
Former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi had maintained cordial relations with this 8th century matt established by Adi Shankaracharya during their tenure.
