Bhubaneswar: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday offered prayers at the Maa Kandhuni Devi Temple and Nilakantheshwar Shiv Temple at Taptapani in Ganjam district during the second day of her three-day visit to Odisha.
Accompanied by Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the President traveled 55 km by road from Berhampur to Taptapani amid tight security. Taptapani is one of south Odisha’s most revered tribal shrines, where members of the Kandha community worship Goddess Kandhuni, who is believed to reside over the natural hot spring.
After arriving at Taptapani, President Murmu spent some time at the state guest house Panthanivas. She took a bath in the natural sulphur hot spring and had lunch before proceeding to the temple. Inside the shrine, she performed rituals according to local tradition. “It is an extraordinary privilege for us to welcome the President,” said Redika Jani, secretary of the Taptapani temple development committee.
For security reasons, entry of devotees into the temple was temporarily restricted during the President’s visit. Hundreds of tribals gathered outside to catch a glimpse of the President. She interacted with them and distributed chocolates to children present there.
People from across the region visit Taptapani, especially in winter, to bathe in the hot sulphuric water and to worship Maa Kandhuni Devi and Lord Nilakantheswar.
Earlier in the day, the President reached Berhampur from Bhubaneswar aboard the “President’s Special” train. The 170-km journey took a little over two hours. The ultra-luxury private rail car has air-conditioned bedrooms, a living-cum-dining room and a kitchen. Officials said the train movement was scheduled keeping in view the IMD forecast of rain.
