Former PM HD Deve Gowda Visits Ranganathaswamy Temple After Four-Year Hiatus

Former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda visited Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, after a four-year delay due to health issues. He offered prayers and emphasized his enduring dedication to public service. The temple's historical and mythological significance was also highlighted by the ex-PM.

Former Prime Minister and JD(S) national president HD Deve Gowda visited the Ranganathaswamy Temple in Tiruchirapalli, Tamil Nadu, after a four-year wait. Speaking to journalists, he attributed the delay to health complications, particularly issues with his knee joints that began five years ago. 'I am coming here after four years. My health was a little bad. My knee joints were affected five years back,' said the former PM. Despite these challenges, he reaffirmed his commitment to serving not just Karnataka but the entire country as a member of the Rajya Sabha.

Arriving at the temple in a wheelchair, Gowda offered prayers to Lord Ranganatha and received a garland from the temple priests. The former PM also delved into the temple's rich mythology, explaining its significance in South Indian history and its connection to the Ramayana. 'This is a very famous temple in South India where mythologically, Vibhishana has performed the puja for Lord Ranganathan,' he elaborated. He also mentioned that Ram, along with Sita, had visited the temple and performed Puja.

The Ranganathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Sri Ranganathar, is one of the most important temples for worshipping Lord Vishnu. The temple complex, which is among the largest in India and the world, dates back to the Vijayanagara period (1336-1565) and continues to be a central figure in Hindu worship and South Indian culture. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)