PM Modi offers prayers, sings bhajans at Veerabhadra temple in Andhra Pradesh

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Veerabhadra temple in Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh today, just six days before the much-anticipated Pran Pratishtha ceremony of the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The Veerabhadra temple, steeped in the lore of the Ramayana, is a site of great cultural and historical significance. (Photo: ANI Digital X handle)

In preparation for the Prime Minister's visit, security had been heightened in the Sri Sathya Sai district, with officials conducting thorough inspections across various areas, including the venue of the National Academy's inauguration. (IANS photo)

PM Modi visited the temple, prayed, and heard verses from the Ranganatha Ramayan, a Telugu rendition of the epic. The temple holds a special place in the epic narrative The temple holds a special place in the epic narrative, believed to be the spot where Jatayu fell, wounded by Ravana during the abduction of Goddess Sita. (Photo: ANI Digital X handle)

It is at this location that Lord Rama is believed to have bestowed Moksha upon the dying Jatayu upon learning about Sita's abduction. (Photo: ANI)

This spiritual journey follows Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to the Shree Kala Ram Mandir in Nashik and the historic site of Panchvati, situated along the Godavari river, where he offered prayers and immersed himself in verses relating to Lord Ram's arrival in Ayodhya, narrated in Marathi. (Photo: ANI Digital X handle)

The Prime Minister's itinerary includes a pooja and darshan at the Veerbhadra Temple around, followed by a visit to Palasamudram in the Sri Sathya Sai District. Later in the day, PM Modi also lead a mega roadshow in Kochi, Kerala. (Photo: ANI Digital X handle)

“All of you know that Ayodhya Ram mandir consecration is scheduled to be held on January 22 and in connection with the Pran Prathista ceremony, I’m on a sacred fast for 11 days. Visiting Lepakshi where Lord Ram met Jatayu in the middle of my sacred fast and at a point of time when the entire nation is immersed in worshipping Prabhu Ram, felt so divine. I also got the opportunity to worship Sri Veerabhadra Swamy and take part in the Bhajans and Kirtans held at the Lepakshi temple”, PM Modi said. (Photo: ANI)

Pointing out to the four pillars on which the Rama Rajya prevailed as “equality, compassion to the weak, fighting for justice and upholding the Dharma above all else”, PM Narendra Modi underlined that these principles were thoroughly relevant even in this modern era. (Photo: ANI)

The ancient Lepakshi temple and the monolithic gigantic Nandi statue found here, were added to the UNESCO’s tentative list of world heritage sites in India in 2022. With the Prime Minister’s visit to the temple, locals hope that it will soon get the world heritage site tag. (Photo: ANI)

PM Modi's two-day tour, encompassing both Andhra Pradesh and Kerala on January 16 and 17, symbolizes a blend of spiritual homage and official duties, reflecting the diverse cultural tapestry of India.