Suresh Raina visits Kangra’s Bajreshwari Temple with family
Former cricketer Suresh Raina visited Mata Bajreshwari Temple in Kangra with his mother and sister to seek blessings on the first day of Navratri.
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina made a spiritual visit to the historic Mata Bajreshwari Temple in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, on Sunday. Accompanied by his family, the cricket legend arrived at the shrine to seek the blessings of Goddess Durga on the auspicious first day of Navratri.
A Deeply Personal Pilgrimage
For Raina, this visit was more than just a religious ritual; it held significant sentimental value. The former star shared that the trip was particularly meaningful because his mother hails from Himachal Pradesh.
Speaking to the media at the temple premises, Raina expressed his joy in sharing this moment with his closest kin. "It is a very special day for me and my mother. I have come here for Navratri with my mother and sister," he remarked.
Reflecting on his lifelong faith, the cricketer noted that his connection to the divine is long-standing. He mentioned that he has been a devotee of Mata Rani since his childhood and credits her blessings for his journey through life.
Prayers for Global Well-being
When asked about the specific intentions behind his prayers, Raina kept his wishes selfless and broad. Rather than personal gains, he focused on the welfare of the community and his family:
- Universal Happiness: He prayed for the joy and prosperity of all people.
- Health and Wellness: He sought good health for everyone.
- Family Blessings: He prayed for the continued grace and long lives of his parents.
The temple was bustling with energy as thousands of devotees from across India gathered to celebrate the commencement of the Navratri festival, joining Raina in offering their prayers to the Goddess.
A Look Back at Raina's Cricket Legacy
While currently enjoying spiritual moments, Suresh Raina remains one of India's most decorated limited-overs cricketers. His journey from his ODI debut against Sri Lanka in 2005 to becoming a mainstay in the Indian middle order is a testament to his skill and consistency.
His statistical achievements include:
- One Day Internationals (ODIs): 5,615 runs in 226 matches, including five centuries and a highest score of 116*.
- T20 Internationals: 1,605 runs in 78 matches, featuring a century and a high score of 101.
- Test Cricket: 768 runs in 18 matches, with a career-best of 120.