President visits Somnath temple

President Pratibha patil being presented a portrait of Somnath Temple by Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi at a function in Gandhinagar on Wednesday. Photo : PTI

President Pratibha Patil, who is on a five day visit to Gujarat, on Saturday visited the famous Lord Shiva temple of Somnath and offered prayers.

Ms. Patil, along with her relatives, arrived at the temple around noon. Elaborate security arrangements were already in place and the temple was kept closed for general public during her visit.

Earlier in the day, Ms. Patil visited the Gir Sanctuary, where she spent around two hours spotting the endangered Asiatic lions.

Ms. Patil is scheduled to visit the union territory of Diu later in the day where she will stay till Sunday morning.

The president will be given a “guard of honour” there and is scheduled to attend a cultural programme. She will visit “Nagva Beach” and “Saint Paul Church” in Diu on Sunday.