Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Monday began his two-day tour of politically significant Malwa-Nimar region in the poll-bound Madhya Pradesh by offering prayers at the famous Mahakaleshwar Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva, here.
Clad in a dhoti, he performed puja at the ancient temple, which is one of the 12 ‘Jyotirlingas’ (special shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva) in the country.
It was Gandhi’s second visit to the shrine. He had last visited the temple in 2010, a party leader said.
Wearing cream-coloured dhoti, the Congress chief entered the sanctum sanctorum along with state party unit president Kamal Nath and campaign committee chairman Jyotiraditya Scindia.
The 48-year-old Amethi MP performed the puja amid chanting of ‘mantras’ (hymns) by temple priests.
The Gandhi scion performed the puja of Lord Mahakal (Shiva) for around half an hour.
The Congress, had last year, said Gandhi was an ardent Shiv bhakt. In August this year, he had undertaken Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to seek blessings of Lord Shiva. Madhya Pradesh, where the Congress is in opposition since 2003, will go to polls on November 28.
During his two-day tour, the Congress chief will visit Malwa-Nimar, a politically crucial region which accounts for 66 of the 230 Assembly seats in the State.
During his tour, Gandhi will address rallies in Jhabua, Indore, Dhar, Khargone and Mhow.