By IANS,
Shirdi (Maharashtra) : Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi offered prayers and performed a puja at the world famous Shirdi shrine of Saibaba here Friday afternoon.
He drove down to the Saibaba temple soon after arriving from Dhule.
Gandhi performed an aarti before the Saibaba samadhi for nearly five minutes even as two Hindu priests chanted religious verses.
He prayed and bowed before the huge statue of Sai Baba seated on a solid gold throne and covered by a solid gold umbrella.
Gandhi was accompanied by state Congress chief Manikrao Thakre and Shri Saibaba Sansthan Trust chairman Jayant Sasane.
Thousands of pilgrims and locals gathered outside the venue to catch a glimpse of the Congress leader.
Stepping out of the temple, Gandhi greeted them with folded hands. He also shook hands with a couple of Saibaba devotees who were awaiting their turn for a darshan outside the temple.