Hundreds of devotees offered special prayers at the Maridimamba temple in the Cantonment of Vizianagaram on Sunday. They offered prayers seeking her blessings for the nation’s well-being in the backdrop of ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.

Temple trustee G. Parameswari, along with devotees M. Bharati, K. Sesha Sai, K. Lakshmi and others made elaborate arrangements for the special prayers. They offered the traditional sari, Naivedyam and other puja material to the presiding deity.

Mr. Seshu, a local businessman said highlighted the historical significance of the temple in the Cantonment. He said: “The Cantonment had served as a military base for the last 125 years. Before embarking on critical missions such as protecting the country from external and internal enemies, soldiers and police personnel would visit the Dandumaramma and Maridimamba temples seeking divine blessings.”

Incidentally, the special prayers offered coincided with Mother’s Day. Temple trustee Mrs. Parameswari assured to organise such devotional activities every year on the special day.

The locals actively took part in services, including the distribution of free meals and other charitable activities.