35,000 temples chant for soldiers: Special pujas, homas in Bengaluru as citizens pray for India’s armed forces

BENGALURU: Temples in the state’s capital reverberated with sacred chants, homas, and special pujas as citizens, spiritual leaders and politicians offered prayers for safety and strength of the country’s armed forces.In the wake of Operation Sindoor, the muzrai department had issued a directive to nearly 35,000 temples under its jurisdiction across the state to perform special rituals dedicated to armed personnel deployed on the border — a tribute to their courage and recognition of their sacrifice. Responding to the call, temples across Bengaluru organised ceremonies invoking divine protection for armed personnel.At the historic Gavi Gangadeshwara Temple in Basavanagudi, a two-hour Durga homa was conducted. Somasundar Dixit, the temple’s head priest, said: “We chanted mantras in the name of India. We prayed for the protection and victory of our soldiers and the well-being of every citizen. This tradition of invoking divine protection before and after wars we fought in the past has long been part of our culture. We are proud of our army and hopeful that peace will prevail.”Banashankari Temple, one of Bengaluru’s most prominent places of worship in South Bengaluru, held special abhishekas and aarthis. “We offered special prayers for the success of all future missions which our country embarks on,” said temple authorities.BJP state president BY Vijayendra and other members of the opposition party, visited Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple in Malleswaram and offered special prayers for Prime Minister Narendra Modi. They said they prayed that he would have the strength to handle the situation.At Kaadu Malleshwara Temple in Malleswaram, special ‘rudra parayana’ and homa were performed which continued well into the afternoon. Devotees gathered, praying for peace. The Karanji Anjaneya Swamy Temple in Basavanagudi also joined in, holding prayers specifically for the health and safety of soldiers guarding the country’s borders.‘Gesture of respect’Muzrai minister Ramalinga Reddy told TOI: “These pujas were dedicated to everyone working on the board to ensure we are protected and safe. This was a gesture of respect for our armed personnel who are doing so much for us. As per directions, pujas were performed in all 35,000odd temples which fall under the muzrai department.”