Modi becomes first world leader to offer prayers iconic Muktinath temple in Nepal

Kathmandu, May 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday became the first world leader to offer prayers at Nepal's iconic Muktinath temple that is regarded sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists.

Modi wore a Buddhist traditional red dress and carried out rituals both according to the Hindu and Buddhist tradition. After praying, he also greeted and interacted with people waiting at the temple premises.

"An auspicious start to Day 2 in Nepal! PM @narendramodi visited the highly venerated Muktinath temple, located at 12,172 ft, to reinforce the strong cultural connect between India and Nepal. PM offered prayers at the human-size golden statue of Lord Vishnu as Shri Mukti Narayan," the Ministry of External Affairs tweeted today.

Modi will be the first foreign guest to pay homage at the main sanctum of Muktinath temple when he offers his prayers on Saturday, Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli said yesterday (May 11).

High security alert has been maintained in Mustang in view of Modi’s visit. The local administration had put in place a special security plan to make Modi’s visit safe and systematic.

Muktinath Temple is regarded as sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists located in Muktinath Valley. The temple at an altitude of 3,710 metres at the foot of the Thorong La pass in mountainous Mustang district.

PTI