Udupi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited several prominent temples in Udupi district on Friday and offered special prayers ahead of attending the BJP district training camp. During her visit, she participated in religious rituals, interacted with temple authorities and sought divine blessings at some of the region’s most revered shrines.
The Union minister visited Sri Krishna Matha in Udupi, Kapu Hosa Marigudi Temple in Kaup and the Mahalakshmi Temple in Uchila. She took part in special poojas and learned about the customs, traditions and religious practices followed at the temples.
Special prayers at Sri Krishna Matha
Nirmala Sitharaman began her temple visit by offering prayers at Sri Krishna Matha, one of the most prominent pilgrimage centres in coastal Karnataka.
During the visit, she had darshan of Lord Krishna and participated in religious rituals conducted by the temple authorities. The minister received phala mantrakshate from the Paryaya Peethadhipathi of Paryaya Sri Shiroor Math, Sri Vedavardhana Theertha Swamiji.
Temple authorities briefed her on the religious significance of the Matha and the traditions that have been preserved over centuries through the Paryaya system.
New kitchen facility inaugurated
As part of the visit, the Union Finance Minister inaugurated the newly constructed kitchen facility, known as the Paayada Kone, at Sri Krishna Matha.
The facility has been built for preparing naivedya, the sacred food offerings made to Lord Krishna. Temple officials explained that the new infrastructure would help streamline the preparation of offerings and support the daily religious activities of the Matha.
The inauguration was attended by several religious leaders, temple administrators and public representatives.
Religious visits to Kaup and Uchila temples
The minister also visited the Kapu Hosa Marigudi Temple in Kaup and the Mahalakshmi Temple in Uchila, where she offered prayers and participated in special poojas.
At both temples, she interacted with priests and temple management representatives and learned about the unique customs and rituals observed by devotees.
Temple committees welcomed the Union minister and honoured her during the visits. The interactions highlighted the importance of preserving the rich spiritual and cultural heritage associated with the temples.
Leaders and dignitaries accompany minister
Several dignitaries accompanied Nirmala Sitharaman during her visit to the temples.
Among those present were Uday Kumar Saralattaya, Diwan of Sri Shiroor Math; Shrish Bhat Kadekar, Parupatyegar of the Math; Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna; Kapu MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty; and Madhukar Mudradi, along with other leaders and officials.
The gathering witnessed religious ceremonies, interactions with devotees and discussions regarding temple activities and development initiatives.
Appreciation for Udupi’s cultural heritage
Ahead of attending the BJP district training camp, the Union minister sought blessings at the temples and spent time interacting with local residents.
During her brief interaction with members of the public, Nirmala Sitharaman expressed appreciation for Udupi district’s rich religious traditions and cultural heritage. She lauded the efforts of temple authorities and devotees in preserving centuries-old customs and maintaining the sanctity of the shrines.
Her visit drew the attention of devotees and party workers alike, with many gathering at the temples to welcome the Union minister.
The temple visits underscored the significance of Udupi as a major spiritual destination and highlighted the enduring cultural and religious traditions that continue to attract devotees from across the country.