VIZHINJAM: Just four days after the historic success of Chandrayaan 3, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath reached back to his hometown in Thiruvananthapuram and headed off to Pournamikavu-Bhadrakali Temple for ‘spiritual exploration’.

Before the launch of Chandrayaan-3, special pujas were held at the same Pournamikavu-Bhadrakali Temple for the lunar mission to be a success. However, the ISRO chief returned to the same temple on Sunday to pray again. This time, the temple officials felicitated him with Poorna-Kumbha, which is a pot that occupies a special place in Hindu rituals.

Special pujas were performed in the temple on the arrival of ISRO chief. He was accompanied by his wife Vatsala. Speaking to the press, S Somanath said Pournamikavu Devi was the force behind every success in his life.

“Spirituality has nothing to do with my profession. Parents have the right to name their children, similarly, India has the right to name Chandrayaan’s landing point as 'SivaShakti'. There is no point in making controversy and it is of little value if someone dislikes the name” S Somanath talked to the press.

ISRO chief gave Pooja materials and silk clothes as offerings to Panchamukha Ganpati, Halasya Shiva, and Nagarajas. After spending a good 2 hours at the temple, S Somanath departed but gave a word of promise about returning back on Vijayadashami day to instruct children to write Om Hari Sree Ganapathye Namaha, in a tray filled with rice.