President offers prayers at Somnath temple

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

Patil, along with her relatives, arrived at Somnath around noon and offered a special prayer to the Lord.
Elaborate security arrangements were made in Somnath and the temple was kept closed for general public during the president's visit.

Earlier in the day, Patil visited the Gir Sanctuary. She spent around two hours in the jungle watching lions. Yesterday also she had spotted lions in the sanctuary at three different spots.

She also handed over mementos to members of the Siddi Community who performed a traditional Dhamal Dance before her.
Patil stayed overnight at a hotel in Gir Wildlife sanctuary.

She is scheduled to go to the union territory of Diu later in the day where she will stay till tomorrow morning.

The president would be given a "guard of honour" there and will also attend a cultural programme. She will visit "Nagva Beach" and "Saint Paul Church" in Diu tomorrow.