Jashodaben prays at Mumbai temples for PM Modi

MUMBAI: A 10-minute stroll along a busy road in Mira Road brought a twinkle in the eyes of Jashodaben (62), wife of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Jashodaben made her maiden trip to Mumbai last Saturday and was thrilled while enjoying her first holiday after her retirement as a school teacher four years ago. While the city’s beaches left her dumbstruck, she wants to shop for clothes before she returns to her native town in Brahmanwada village of Unjha town in Mehsana district.
At family friend Gowardhan Panchal’s home at Pleasant Park in Mira Road, Jashodaben told TOI that she would love to return to Mumbai for a holiday. Jashodaben said she loves to wear her mangalsutra, bindi and colourful saris.
Jashodaben visited Mahalaxmi temple and Siddhivinayak temple in Prabhadevi, where she offered special prayers for her husband. At the temples, she passed off as a commoner even though plainclothes policemen accompanied her. At Pune’s Balaji temple, however, she was recognized and given preferential darshan. Jashodaben had expressed her desire to come to Mumbai when Gowadhan visited his village a fortnight ago. She is staying with her brother Ashok.