Katra: President A P J Abdul Kalam on June 26 became the first Muslim head of state to visit the Vaishnodevi cave shrine, where he prayed for return of peace to Jammu and Kashmir and also took part in an "Aarti".

During his 35-minute stay at the holy shrine in Trikuta Hills, Kalam also met the priests who presented him with special "prasad", official sources said.

Soon after presenting colours to state police at Udhampur, the President flew by helicopter to Sanjichat in Trikuta Hills.

From the helipad, he walked two-and-half kilometres each way to the cave shrine accompanied by Governor S K Sinha, the sources said.

The entire pilgrimage lasted two hours and 45 minutes, including the 10-minute "Aarti", they said.

PTI