PM Modi wishes to offer prayers at Sabarimala

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said he wanted to visit Sabarimala to offer worship at the famous hill shrine of Lord Ayyappa. Modi, who is on a two-day visit to Kerala, said he however, would like to visit the shrine when there would be 'minimum discomfort' to the pilgrims.

"I was thinking that during the beginning of my yatra, I will begin with Sabarimala. But due to some reasons, it did not happen," he said, addressing BJP workers.

Modi said he had instructed his officials to chalk out a Sabarimala programme in such a way that it would not cause any hardship to the thousands of pilgrims, who visit the shrine from various parts of the country and abroad.

The Prime Minister also extended Christmas and New Year greetings.