Bhubaneswar, August 4: President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday offered prayers at the revered Maa Kandhuni Devi Temple and the Nilakantheshwar Shiva Temple at Taptapani in Odisha's Ganjam district as part of the second day of her three-day visit to the state.

Accompanied by Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the President travelled about 55 km by road from Berhampur to Taptapani under stringent security arrangements.

Taptapani, one of south Odisha's prominent tribal pilgrimage sites, is known for its natural sulphur hot spring and the Maa Kandhuni Devi Temple, where the Kandha tribal community worships the presiding deity believed to reside over the sacred spring.

Upon her arrival, President Murmu spent some time at the state-run Panthanivas guest house. She took a bath in the natural sulphur hot spring and had lunch before visiting the temple, where she performed traditional rituals in accordance with local customs.

"It is an extraordinary privilege for us to welcome the President," a secretary of the Taptapani Temple Development Committee said.

As part of the security protocol, public entry to the temple was temporarily suspended during the President's visit. However, hundreds of tribal residents gathered outside the shrine to greet her. President Murmu interacted with members of the tribal community and distributed chocolates among children, drawing warm responses from those present.

Taptapani attracts thousands of devotees and tourists throughout the year, particularly during winter, when visitors come to bathe in the therapeutic hot sulphur spring and seek the blessings of Maa Kandhuni Devi and Lord Nilakantheshwar.

Earlier in the day, the President travelled from Bhubaneswar to Berhampur aboard the specially designated "President's Special" train. The 170-km journey took a little over two hours. The luxury rail coach is equipped with air-conditioned bedrooms, a living-cum-dining area, and a kitchen. Officials said rail travel was chosen considering the India Meteorological Department's forecast of rainfall across the region.