Varanasi, 29 April (H.S.):

Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the final day of his two-day Varanasi visit with solemn darshan at the golden sanctum of Kashi's presiding deity, Baba Vishwanath, conducting Shodashopchar puja and abhishek amid Vedic chants led by head priest Om Prakash Mishra and four other Brahmins. Chanting mantras with evident devotion, he prayed for national prosperity and peace in the gold-plated garbhagriha housing the sacred Jyotirlinga.

Entering on his 54th visit to Kashi amid resounding conch shells from 51 Brahmins and cries of Har Har Mahadev, PM Modi was welcomed by temple trust chairman and officials to the beats of damrus and batuk conches. Post-puja, he acknowledged Shiva devotees in the temple precincts, graciously accepting a trident and damru from local BJP leaders, which he displayed to cheers from the crowd. Mayor Ashok Tiwari and Cabinet Minister Anil Rajbhar were among those present.

Outside, the Prime Minister showered affection on children gathered for darshan, stroking their heads tenderly and engaging them in cheerful conversation that left them beaming with joy. Local BJP workers and Kashi residents had earlier accorded an unprecedented welcome during the 14-km roadshow from Bereka Guest House via Kakarmatta ROB, Manduadih Chauraha, Fulvaria Flyover, Hockey Chauraha, JP Mehta Tiraha, Ambedkar Chauraha, Kachahari Golghar, Police Lines Tiraha, Makbool Alam Road, Chowkaghat, Lahurabir, Kabirchaura, and Maidagin—showering rose petals to dhol-nagada, damru, and conch symphony while chanting Har Har Mahadev and Jai Shri Ram.

Visibly overwhelmed by the outpouring of love, PM Modi waved repeatedly in response before departing Babatpur Airport for Hardoi to inaugurate the Ganga Expressway.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar