Tirupati Jun 27 (IANS): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday offered prayers at Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple at Tirumala.

Accompanied by family members, he had 'darshan' at the famous hill shrine and participated in various rituals conducted by the temple priests.

Chouhan told reporters that he prayed for an end to the Covid-19 pandemic and more strength to the Indian soldiers for safeguarding the country's borders.

"I prayed for the country to become free from coronavirus. I had the good fortune of participating in the special rituals organised by the temple authorities," he said.

Earlier, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) Executive Officer Anil Kumar Singhal and Additional Executive Officer A.V. Dharma Reddy welcomed Chouhan and his family members when they reached the temple.

The Chief Minister and his family members had arrived at Tirumala Friday night and after darshan on Saturday, returned to Bhopal.

Chouhan is the first Chief Minister of any state to offer prayers at Tirumala temple after it was re-opened for devotees earlier this month. The temple was closed for devotees for 80 days due to Covid-19 induced lockdown.

This was also the first visit by Chouhan to the famous temple since he took over as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister for a fourth term in March.