Modi offers prayers at Golden Temple

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday offered prayers at the holiest of Sikh shrines, Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as Golden Temple.

This was the first time Modi came to the Sikh shrine after becoming prime minister in May last year.

The prime minister arrived here after paying homage to martyrs Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru at the Hussainiwala memorial in Ferozepur district.

With his head covered in a white cloth with two red stripes, Modi entered the shrine complex through the Darshani Deori with folded hands and walked along the 'parikarma' around the sacred 'sarovar' before entering the sanctum santorum.

He was accompanied by Punjab Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki, Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and union ministers Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Vijay Sampla.

He was presented a 'siropa' (robe of honour) by the 'granthi' (priest) of the shrine.

Hundreds of devotees were present at the shrine when Modi arrived.

The prime minister acknowledged the people as they waved to him.