PM Modi offers prayers at Guruvayur temple in Kerala

Clad in Kerala style white dhoti and angavastram with a shawl, Modi arrived in the temple at about 0800 hrs, accompanied by Devasam Chairman K Vijayan and Tantri Chennans Namboodiripad.

He went round the sanctum sanctorum and offered prayers to the main deity. After prayers, he offered Thulabharam weighing with lotus flowers.

After spending nearly 30 minutes, he came out and straight went to the Kalyanamandapam and blessed Suresh Gopi's daughter Bhagya who got married there.

Modi himself handed over marriage garlands to the couple. Several leading film actors were present to witness the marriage.

Modi also blessed a few other couples who got married.

Later he interacted with film personalities like Mammooty, Mohanlal, Dileep and Jayaram. A large number of people and relatives of those who got married were present at the nearby auditorium.

Modi's presence at the marriage ceremony gives a strong political message that he gives all support to Mr Suresh Gopi who is projected as a BJP candidate in Thrissur Parliamentary constituency in the coming Lok Sabha elections.

After offering prayers and attending the marriage ceremony, Modi left for Thriprayar by helicopter to offer prayers at the Sree Ram temple.

His visit to the Sree Ram temple assumes significance in the wake of the consecration ceremony of Ram temple at Ayodhya on January 22.

High security had been enforced in the temple town in view of the Prime Minister's visit and no devotees were allowed to enter the temple since morning.

Modi will leave for Hochi from Thriprayar.