The Indo-American leader opened with Om, prayed in Sanskrit and translated each line into English. He closed with Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti: Peace, peace, peace be unto all.

Indra Neelameggham, manager of the the Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple in South Jordan, accompanied Rajan Zed, who flew to Utah on Tuesday from his home in Reno, Nev.

Rajan Zed wore the classic tilak symbol on his forehead, made of aromatic sandalwood powder and denoting auspiciousness, he said in an interview following the prayer.

"We're very happy that we were invited," he smiled. "I think it was well received."

Utah has two Hindu temples - in South Jordan and Spanish Fork - where about 900 families worship regularly, Rajan Zed said.

cmckitrick@sltrib.com