Even prayers didn't help Raje in Rajasthan

Jaipur, Dec 8 (ANS) It seems this time even gods were not in a mood to smile on Vasundhara Raje, who failed to retain power in Rajasthan.

Raje, the outgoing chief minister, went for prayers early Monday to centuries-old Tripura Sundari Temple in Banswara, over 550 km from here.

It is the same temple of Hindu goddess Durga where Raje had gone before the start of the counting in the 2003 elections. However, this time it appears that the goddess did not answer her prayers.

'I always go there. There is nothing new in it,' Raje told reporters here.

The temple is believed to have been constructed before the reign of the Kushana emperor Kanishka who ruled here in the first century AD. Magnificently carved out of black stone, the main idol is shown riding a tiger. The goddess has 18 hands each carrying a symbol.

Raje was always considered a religious person. She had taken oath as the chief minister of Rajasthan Dec 8, 2003, at the time suggested by her astrologers.

Again she only shifted to her official residence after consultations with her astrologers. Moreover, she used to travel to almost all of the important temples situated inside and outside the state to offer prayers.

The Raje-led Bharatiya Janata Party trailed the Congress in Rajasthan, as results of the assembly elections were pouring in.