Rameswaram (Tamil Nadu): Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Lord Ramanathaswamy temple on Saturday in Rameswaram and performed rituals after taking a dip in the sacred waters of the 'Agnitheerth' beach, media reports said.

After taking the dips, Prime Minister Modi was seen reciting prayer beads while still standing in the sea waters.

The Prime Minister offered prayers at the Ramanathaswamy shrine, an ancient Shiva temple situated in Tamil Nadu, news agency.

During his visit, he received customary honours from the priests and took part in the devotional songs ('bhajans') performed in the shrine.

The Prime Minister’s visit to this ancient temple, located in the secluded Rameswaram island in Tamil Nadu's Ramanathapuram district, ahead of the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya, has a special significance.

The Shiva Linga at this temple was installed by Lord Ram, and both Lord Ram and his consort Sita Devi are known to have offered prayers here.

Earlier, PM Modi offered prayers at Sri Ranganathaswamy temple in Tiruchirappalli district and reached the Rameswaram temple via an Air Force chopper.

Upon arrival, he received a warm welcome from BJP workers and the local community.