President Droupadi Murmu offered prayers at the sacred hill temple of Lord Venkateswara on Friday (November 20, 2025), marking a deeply spiritual visit that drew both reverence and excitement among devotees. Accompanied by family members, the President first adhered to established temple tradition by offering prayers at the Sri Bhu Varaha Swamy temple ahead of reaching the main shrine.
At the temple Mahadwaram (main entrance), she was ceremonially received with ‘Istikapal’ temple honours by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) chairman B.R. Naidu, Executive Officer Anilkumar Singhal, Additional EO Venkaiah Chowdary and a host of priests.
Led into the sanctum sanctorum, President Murmu stood in front of the presiding deity in solemn prayer. The chief priest briefed her on the significance of the shrine and honoured her with Sesha Vastram, after which Vedic scholars blessed her entourage with Vedasirvachanams. Authorities also presented the traditional Laddu Prasadam, memento, new year diary, and calendars.
Endowments Minister Anam Ramnarayana Reddy, Collector Dr. Venkateswarlu, SP L. Subbarayudu, and temple trustees were also present during her visit.
In a heartwarming moment that briefly unsettled security personnel, President Murmu stopped her convoy near Ram Bagaicha rest house during departure, stepped out of her vehicle, interacted with waiting pilgrims, and distributed chocolates—drawing warm applause. However, stringent security restrictions kept media personnel away from the temple precincts.
Winding up her two-day pilgrimage, she later motored down to Tirupati and flew to Hyderabad.
Published – November 21, 2025 02:36 pm IST
