Rain god cuts short Thai PM's 'puja' at Sarnath

Varanasi, June 27 (UNI) Much awaited downpour that lashed the holy city this evening cut short the special prayers offered by Thailand Prime Minister Surayud Chulanon at the Buddhist pilgrimage Sarnath.

The Thai PM, on a three-day state visit to the country, landed at the Varanasi Airport this afternoon and after a short stay at Hotel Taj Ganges, left for the Thai temple at Sarnath amid tight security arrangements.

Mr Chulanon was welcomed by Buddhist monks led by head of the Thai temple Viudyaradhipati Bhante Shashan Rashimi.

Accompanied by a high-powered Thai delegation, Mr Chulanon offered special prayers at the 'Thai Vat.' Later, the visiting dignitory laid the foundation of an 80-ft tall Buddha statue in the Thai temple premises.

The Thai PM then visited the Sarnath Museum and caught a glimpse of relics from Buddhist era, including the broken statue of Kanishka, the Lion Capital and the wheel of Buddhist Law.

Clad in lemon yellow shirt and black trousers, Mr Chulanon followed the visit to the museum with a trek to the ruins of Buddhist period at Sarnath -- the place where Buddha is believed to have delivered his first sermons.

He followed it up by reaching the 'Dhammek Stupa' to offer another round of special prayers beginning with the lighting of the traditional candles. The Thai PM also went into medidative mode to pray.

His prayers, however, were cut short by heavy rains, compelling the high profile visitors to scurry for cover at the complex housing the ticket counter.

With the rain gaining momentum in accumpanied by high-velocity winds, the Thai delegation was forced to retreat into the fleet of cars to return back to the Hotel.

As planned, Mr Chulanon later flew to Kolkata by a special plane.

UNI