PM Modi Kicks Off Poll Campaign With 'Dakshina Kasi' Visit, See Pics

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered prayers at the Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple in Karimnagar, Telangana on Wednesday. He sought blessings at this revered temple before starting his electoral campaign in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

After visiting the temple, Modi addressed a public gathering in Karimnagar at 10 am. He then traveled to Warangal to hold another public meeting at noon. The Prime Minister aimed to engage with voters and garner support for his party through these rallies.

Later in the day, Modi's campaign trail extends to Andhra Pradesh. He has a public meeting scheduled in Rajampet at 3:45 pm followed by a roadshow in Vijayawada around 7 pm.

#WATCH | Telangana: Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Devasthanam in Vemulawada, Karimnagar district. pic.twitter.com/Jcm0uvVlLg

— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2024

The Sri Raja Rajeshwara Swamy Temple holds great religious significance. Located in Vemulawada village of Karimnagar district, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva in the form of the 'Neela Lohitha Shiva Lingam'. Devotees believe their wishes get fulfilled after praying at this ancient temple, popularly known as the 'Dakshina Kasi' or Southern Banaras.

The temple complex also houses two Vaishnava shrines - the Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple and Sri Seetharama Chandra Swamy Temple. Seeking divine blessings at this major spiritual center marked the beginning of Modi's high-stakes campaign in the two southern states.