President Kovind offers prayers at Ram Lalla temple in Ayodhya, plants a sapling in premises

Ayodhya: President Ram Nath Kovind on Sunday became the first Indian President to visit and pay obeisance at Ram Lalla and the Hanumangarhi temples.

President along with his wife Savita Kovind, daughter, and other family members prayed at the Ram Lalla temple.

He performed Aarti and got blessings and prasad from the priests.

Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and Union Minister of State for Railways Darshana Jardosh also did aarti of Ram Lalla.

UP Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dr Dinesh Sharma were present on the occasion.

After worshiping Ram Lalla for around 15 minutes, the President planted a sapling of Rudraksha in the Ramjanmabhoomi premises.

A model of the Ram temple was presented by the office bearers of the Ramjanambhoomi Tirath Kshetra Trust and saints.

At the time of the President's visit, Ram Lalla's idol wore a new pink dress.

Earlier, President and his family members worshipped at the Hanumangarhi temple.

Kovind along with his wife and daughter prayed before Lord Hanuman and then did the aarti amid reciting of hymns by the priest.

During the 10 minutes stay, the President was welcomed after donning a religious turban by the Mahant of Hanumangarhi. He was also gifted by Ramcharitra manas along with prasad.

Kovind and others also did parikrama of the temple.

The President's convoy reached Hanumangarhi temple by covering around 2.6 km from Sarayu guest house near Ram Katha Park.

At the guest house, the President also saw a presentation on the ongoing construction work of the Ram temple.

Although more than one crore devotees visit Ramnagari of Ayodhya every year, this is the second time that a President has come to Ayodhya.

In 1983, the then President Giani Zail Singh also visited Ayodhya. But he just visited Kanak Bhawan and skipped Ramjanambhoomi premises.

Meanwhile, President left for Ayodhya railway station to board the Presidential Express train to return to Lucknow.

President is expected to return to New Delhi this evening from Lucknow airport, winding his four days visit to UP. (UNI)