President Droupadi Murmu paid a visit to the town of Shirdi on Friday and participated in a religious ceremony at the Sai Baba temple. Although the President did not give a speech to the media, P Siva Sankar, the CEO of the Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust in Shirdi, stated that she showed a keen interest in learning about the life and teachings of Saibaba during her visit.
“The president displayed a genuine curiosity in understanding the life and teachings of Shri Saibaba. We were delighted to accompany her on a brief tour of the temple complex during her visit,” said the CEO. The President was accompanied by Maharashtra Ramesh Bais and revenue minister Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil. During the visit, the President explored Dwarka Mai before performing a ceremonial prayer known as ‘padya’ puja at the Samadhi Mandir, where she also conducted the aarti ritual.
As a gesture of goodwill, the Trust gifted the President an idol of Shri Saibaba and a sapling of the ‘neem tree’ – a tree that Saibaba spent much of his time under. “The President also inquired about the Shri Sai Baba Sansthan and the amenities available for devotees,” added the CEO.
Upon leaving the temple, the President graciously stepped out of her car to greet the devotees lining the road. The devotees responded by greeting her with the phrase ‘Om Sai Ram,’ to which she replied with folded hands.
Following her temple visit, the President proceeded to Sai Prasadalay, where she enjoyed a lunch of matki, zunka, pithla, chapati, and rice. “The President dined at the Prasadalay and was served a meal consisting of traditional dishes,” explained the CEO.