Election symbol of Congress traces roots to a temple

The central ruling Congress party's symbol, which happens to be a hand, is reportedly attributed to a temple located near Palakkad in Kerala. It is said that Indira Gandhi, the former Prime Minister of India, while on a visit to the region to inaugurate water project in the nearby village, also visited this temple and she was inspired by the deity. A local congress party functionary M C K Nair was present with Indira Gandhi during her visit.