Reacting to DMK supremo M Karunanidhi's recent remarks about Lord Ram, former prime minister H D Deve Gowda on Friday said that Ram was a divine reincarnation and cannot be termed as an imaginary character.

"My party's view is that we cannot say Rama is imaginary. He is a divine reincarnation. There is many a proof for it. We should not talk lightly about the issue," said Deve Gowda in Bangalore on Friday.

He also said: "There is a difference of opinion about the issue in the United Progressive Alliance also. I don't want to aggravate it (by my comments)".

Deve Gowda said he has faith and belief in God -- irrespective of religion -- and has visited many places of worship.

The former prime minister earlier released the party's manifesto for the imminent elections to urban local bodies in Karnataka.