Haridwar: Former South African President Jacob Zuma offers prayers at Dakshin Kali temple
Haridwar, June 26
Former South African President Jacob Zuma offered prayers at the Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Temple in Haridwar during his visit to Uttarakhand on Friday.
He was accompanied by South Africa's High Commissioner to India, Anil Sooklal and also met Niranjani Akhara Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri during his visit.
Zuma visited the revered Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir and offered prayers at the temple. He later interacted with spiritual leaders and devotees present at the temple premises.
Speaking to the media, Niranjani Akhara Mahamandaleshwar Swami Kailashanand Giri said that Zuma's visit marked his first trip to Haridwar and that the former South African President had come to seek blessings at the temple.
"Former South African President Jacob Zuma visited Siddhpeeth Shri Dakshin Kali Mandir today. He is friends with Ajay Gupta who is a disciple and member of the ashram family. High Commissioner of South Africa Anil Sooklal, UP Minister Y.P. Singh and all of us came to Saharanpur from Delhi. From Saharanpur, we headed to Haridwar... He is here in Haridwar, Uttarakhand for the very first time. Local elections will be held in South Africa in November and in 2029, presidential elections will be held there. So, he came here to offer prayers..."
Following the prayers, Zuma expressed happiness over his visit to India and said he looked forward to returning for a longer stay in the future. He also spoke about his tenure as the President and his plans to contest elections again in South Africa.
Zuma told the media, "I am very happy that I visited this great country at the right time...I had led the country at one point, but they put me aside and I remained there. I realised that they were messing up the country. They were not taking the country forward. I decided to take a decision to retake the country forward...I feel I am going to win the elections because the people of God have been with me."
He further expressed gratitude to those who facilitated his visit and said he intended to return to India for a longer duration after completing his commitments in South Africa.
"After we finish what we are doing in our country, I will pay a visit here which will not be just 2-3 days but a big one. So that I can say 'thank you' to my brothers and friends here for giving me this opportunity to come here..."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, it's nice that international leaders connect with our culture. But the political angle feels a bit off - using temple visits for election campaigns? That's something we see enough in India already.
Haridwar is a place of peace, and whether you're a president or a common man, everyone finds solace here. Welcome to India, Mr. Zuma! May the blessings of Maa Kali be with you. 🌺
It's fascinating how Indian spirituality transcends borders. But I hope the media doesn't sensationalize this - spiritual tourism should be about genuine connection, not political bandwagoning.
Great to see South African leadership appreciating Indian culture and spirituality. But visiting a temple right before elections feels a bit like what some Indian politicians do - trying to tap into religious sentiments for votes. Let's hope it's genuine. 🤔
Swami Kailashanand Giri ji's association with Ajay Gupta is concerning. But separate the man from his companions - if Zuma is genuinely seeking blessings, that's beautiful. India's spiritual heritage welcomes all. 🙏✨
South African politics is complicated, but seeing Zuma in Haridwar reminds me that regardless of one's past, seeking spiritual renewal is a universal human experience. Hope he finds what he's looking for - though I'm skeptical about his election claims.
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