Ten contestants from the Caribbean region, currently participating in the 72nd Miss World Festival, recently took a break from the celebrations to visit one of India’s most sacred temples. They traveled to the Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple, also known as Yadadri, located in the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana, about 65 kilometers from Hyderabad.
This ancient temple sits on a hill and honors Lord Narasimha, a powerful form of Lord Vishnu. According to legend, the deity appeared here in five forms to bless the sage Yadarishi, making it a revered site for many devotees. The temple’s stunning Dravidian-style architecture and peaceful surroundings offered the contestants a unique chance to connect with India’s spiritual traditions.
The group received a warm welcome with a ‘Deeparadhana’ ceremony, where lamps are lit to symbolize the victory of knowledge over ignorance. Traditional music and classical dances added to the spiritual atmosphere, giving the visitors a taste of Telangana’s rich culture.
Guides led the contestants through the temple’s history and rituals. They participated in a special Darshan and Pooja, experiencing firsthand the deep-rooted customs that have been followed here for centuries.
To mark the visit, the temple organized a photo session and presented the guests with ‘Prasadam’—holy offerings—and traditional mementos, honoring the temple’s spirit of hospitality.
Julia Morley CBE, Chair and CEO of the Miss World Organisation, expressed her thoughts on the visit, saying, “Visiting Yadadri gave our contestants a deep insight into India’s spiritual life. These moments of cultural exchange help shape a broader view of the world and highlight the values of peace and devotion.”
This visit reflects the organization’s mission of ‘Beauty With a Purpose’, which focuses on promoting cultural awareness and global unity. The contestants left Yadadri with a deeper understanding of India’s spiritual richness and the timeless values that connect people across the world.
As the Miss World Festival continues, the participants will explore even more of India’s cultural diversity, gaining experiences that go beyond the stage of a beauty pageant.
