Accordingly with issues related to the H-1B visa likely to come up during talks between prime minister narendra modi and united states President donald trump, devotees at a temple here are seeking the divine blessings for softening the US’ stance. The devout are offering a couple of extra ‘pradakshinas’ (circumambulations) at Chilkur balaji Temple. On the occasion of maha Sivaratri on friday, thousands sought Lord Balaji’s intervention.
The special prayers were held on the eve of Trump’s two-day india visit, beginning february 24. The special prayers were not surprising as the temple is popular among youngsters as ‘Visa Balaji’. students and techies believe that praying at the temple helps them easily secure a US visa.
Thousands of youngsters who want to go to the US for higher studies and jobs perform 11 pradakshinas (circumambulations) before attending the visa interview. Head priest M.V. Soundararajan told that when the aspirants get visa, they come to the temple again and perform 108 ‘paradikshanas.’ The temple officials said a large number of H-1B visas aspirants or their representatives visit the temple.
