Ghee soaked walls blazed up accidentally: File photoTirupati: Fire broke out in a kitchen at the famed Tirumala temple complex near here Saturday, the same day when the country's first citizen visited the temple to offer prayers. No one was injured in the mishap, officials said.
The fire broke out in Potu, the main kitchen, where the food offering of the Lord Venkateswara temple is prepared. The famous 'laddu', the famous sweet which is given as 'prasadam' or offering to the devotees, is also prepared in the same kitchen.
TTD officials said the ghee soaked wall accidentally caught fire from the embers of a large burning oven.
Two fire tenders rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control, they said. Rains also eased the efforts of the fire fighting personnel.
No major damage was reported in the accident.
President offers prayers at Tirupati
President Ram Nath Kovind, accompanied by his wife and other family members, on Saturday, offered prayers at the famous Lord Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirumala in Andhra Pradesh.
This was Kovind's first visit to the hill shrine after assuming office as the country's President last month.The President and his family members spent about half an hour in the temple, participating in various rituals.
Andhra Pradesh chief minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and governor E.S.L. Narasimhan accompanied Kovind.
According to the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD), which manages the affairs of the ancient temple, the president offered prayers in Bhu Varaha Swamy temple and later reached the Tirumala temple.
He was welcomed by TTD Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal and other officials while the Veda pundits offered 'Isthikaphal Swagatham' to the first citizen of the country with temple honours.
He offered prayers along with his wife Savita, son Pasanth Kumar and daughter Swati. One of the chief priest's of the temple, A.V. Ramana Dikshitulu explained to the President the importance of jewels and of the presiding deity.
Later at 'Ranganayakula Mandapam', 'Vedasirvachanam' were rendered and 'teertha prasadams', lamination photo of Lord and Sesha Vastram were presented to the President by the TTD executive officer.
Kovind on Friday had offered prayers at the temple of Goddess Padmavathi at Tiruchanur near here. He returned to Delhi after winding up the two-day visit.
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