Mysore/Mysuru: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren paid a ceremonial visit to the Namdroling Monastery (Golden Temple) at Bylakuppe yesterday, where the monastery’s administrative officials received him.

Soren was honoured with a traditional offering on behalf of the monastery and was later taken to the reliquary stupa of His Holiness and the Main Temple.

His visit coincided with the third day of special prayers marking Dakini Day, observed on the 25th day of the lunar calendar.

As part of the rituals, khenpos, tulkus, lopons, lamas, monks and nuns participated in the recitation of 1,00,000 Tsemar Mahakala prayers.

During the visit, the Chief Minister lit a ghee lamp at the Main Temple and offered a khata, the traditional white ceremonial scarf, to a sacred portrait at the Golden Temple.

Tulku Choedharr, Managing Trustee of the Golden Temple, presented a Buddha statue to Soren as a symbol of blessings and goodwill. The Chief Minister also witnessed the prayers and rituals performed by the monastic community.

Soren and his family are currently vacationing in Kodagu. During their stay, they visited Dubare Elephant Camp and Cauvery Nisargadhama.

After visiting Bylakuppe yesterday, the family is expected to visit more tourist destinations in Kodagu, including the Harangi Elephant Camp this afternoon.

They are likely to proceed to Mysuru tomorrow (May 14) and are expected to visit the Mysore Palace and other tourist spots, according to sources.