Jagannath Rath Yatra in Puri is underway, and amid activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities, the Union Minister on Thursday visited the Govardhana Peeth in Puri to seek the blessings of Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati ahead of the grand Rath Yatra.
Pradhan was accompanied by Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra and Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj during the visit.
Speaking after meeting the Shankaracharya, Pradhan said he felt fortunate to receive the blessings of the revered seer on the auspicious occasion of Rath Yatra.
VIDEO | Puri, Odisha: The annual Jagannath Rath Yatra is underway as nearly two lakh devotees have gathered at the Jagannath Temple in Puri to take part in the grand chariot festival despite rains.
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(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7)… pic.twitter.com/MorIPBkjNR
"Today, on the occasion of the Rath Yatra at Puri Dham, I had the privilege of receiving the blessings of the revered Shankaracharya. I feel fortunate to be in the presence of Shankaracharya ji. Having received his blessings, I am now proceeding to seek the darshan of Mahaprabhu," he said.
The Union Minister also extended greetings to devotees, describing the Rath Yatra as a unique and supreme festival of Sanatan culture dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra.
He said the sacred procession symbolises the Lord's decision to come out of the temple to bless devotees and the people at large. Referring to the traditional rituals, Pradhan said the deities would perform the Pahandi ritual before ascending their chariots and beginning their journey to the Gundicha Temple, also known as the Mausi Maa Temple.
Meanwhile, the holy city of Puri has come alive as lakhs of devotees gather for one of India's largest and most revered religious festivals. Ahead of the procession, the three grand chariots — Nandighosha of Lord Jagannath, Taladhwaja of Lord Balabhadra and Darpadalana of Goddess Subhadra — were positioned at the Singhadwara (Lion's Gate) of the Jagannath Temple as preparations entered the final stage.
