Former Indonesian president Joko Widodo offers prayers at Tirumala temple

Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Thursday offered prayers at the Lord Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala , marking a significant spiritual visit by the former Indonesian leader.

Widodo, who served as the seventh President of Indonesia , was received by officials of the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) , the body that administers the hill shrine. He was escorted through the temple premises for darshan of the deity , an official told PTI, confirming that all rituals were conducted as per established temple traditions.

After the darshan, TTD officials honoured Widodo at the Ranganayakula Mandapam , where he was presented with silk clothes , the Lord’s prasadams , and a portrait of Lord Venkateswara , in keeping with the customary protocol extended to distinguished visitors.

The Sri Venkateswara temple at Tirumala, located in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh , is one of the most revered Hindu shrines and is widely regarded as the richest Hindu temple in the world . Managed by the TTD, the temple attracts millions of devotees every year and is known for its elaborate rituals, strict traditions, and large-scale pilgrim management system.

Widodo’s visit was seen as a reflection of the cultural and spiritual ties between India and Indonesia, nations that share deep historical connections rooted in religion, art, and heritage.