PM Narendra Modi prays at 125-year-old Shiva temple in Muscat, feels 'extremely blessed'

India and Oman have signed eight agreements, including pacts on cooperation in the field of defence, health and tourism.

Pic courtesy: PTI

Muscat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday offered prayers at the 125-year- old Shiva Temple in Muscat's Matrah area, one of the oldest in the region.

"Feeling extremely blessed to pray at the Shiva temple in Muscat," he tweeted.

Feeling extremely blessed to pray at the Shiva temple in Muscat. pic.twitter.com/8c0c0YEQPS — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2018

PM @narendramodi performed Abhishekam at the historic Lord Shiva temple at Muscat and interacted with the members of the Temple Management Committee. It was constructed 125 years back by the Merchant Community from Gujarat and renovated in 1999. pic.twitter.com/d9D7LpMsnK — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 12, 2018

The temple was constructed 125 years ago by the merchant community from Gujarat and was subsequently renovated in 1999.

It has three deities - Shri Adi Motishwar Mahadev, Shri Motishwar Mahadev and Shri Hanumanji. During auspicious days more than 15,000 devotees visit the temple for prayers.

The PM also visited the iconic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, the main mosque of Oman. It was inaugurated in 2001.

Meanwhile, PM Modi on Monday said his visit to Oman and talks with the oil-rich Gulf nation's top leadership will impart a "substantial momentum" to all spheres of bilateral ties.

"This Oman visit is one I will cherish for a long time to come," he tweeted before concluding his two-day visit to Oman.

"This visit has helped in building upon the centuries-old ties between our enterprising people, and will impart a substantial momentum to our relations in all spheres, including trade and investment relations," PM Modi added.

He also expressed gratitude to the Sultan and the people of Oman for the tremendous support, goodwill and affection.

Thank you Your Majesty Sultan Qaboos for your exceptional warmth, hospitality and friendship, as also your personal attention to details, that made my visit to Oman one of the most memorable visits I have undertaken anywhere. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2018

This Oman visit is one I will cherish for a long time to come. This visit has helped in building upon the centuries old ties between our enterprising people, and will impart a substantial momentum to our relations in all spheres, including trade and investment relations. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2018

Your Majesty Sultan Qaboos, my deep gratitude to you and the people of Oman for the tremendous support, goodwill and affection. We are deeply honoured and we look forward to the forthcoming 50th anniversary of your stewardship of Oman. — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2018

Had the opportunity to visit the iconic Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat. Here are some glimpses. pic.twitter.com/xabUzjdp93 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 12, 2018

Yet another Indian connection with Oman! PM @narendramodi visited the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, which is the biggest mosque in Oman. The mosque is built from 300,000 tonnes of Indian sandstone sculpted by 200 craftsmen from India! pic.twitter.com/Nu0yzFOTHb — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 12, 2018

Modi, who arrived in Oman from Dubai on the final leg of his three-nation tour, led talks with Sultan Qaboos on Sunday night on a wide range of issues.

Charting out new frontiers in our bilateral relationship, PM @narendramodi led delegation-level talks with Sultan Qaboos of Oman. The two strategic partners discussed to strengthen cooperation in trade & investment, energy, defence & security, food security and regional issues. pic.twitter.com/KzQtGaHXF8 — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) February 11, 2018

He had said that India and Oman have thriving links rooted in centuries-old people-to-people exchanges.

The two sides signed eight agreements, including pacts on cooperation in the field of defence, health and tourism.

They also signed an agreement on mutual visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, special, service and official passports and an agreement on cooperation between Foreign Service Institute, Ministry of External Affairs, India and Oman's Diplomatic Institute.

PM Modi, who arrived in Oman from Dubai on the last leg of his three-nation tour.

(With PTI inputs)