Puri: In a journey marked by profound spiritual devotion, the Chief Election Commissioner of India, Shri Gyanesh Kumar, commenced his three-day visit to the sacred land of Odisha by seeking the divine grace of Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra (Trinity).
Immersed in the spiritual aura of the Purushottama Kshetra, the Chief Election Commissioner offered heartfelt prayers before the Lord of the Universe at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri, followed by a visit to the magnificent Sun Temple at Konark.
Upon his arrival in the capital city of Bhubaneswar, Shri Kumar invoked the blessings of the Lord and extended warm greetings to the people of Odisha in their native tongue, Odia. He was greeted with a traditional reception at the Biju Patnaik International Airport by the Chief Electoral Officer(CEO), Odisha, Shri R. S. Gopalan, and other senior officials before proceeding to the holy city of Puri.
At the hallowed gates of the Shree Jagannath Temple, the Chief Election Commissioner was warmly received by the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, who personally ensured a smooth and sanctified darshan for the visiting dignitary.
Accompanied by District Collector Shri Dibyajyoti Parida and Superintendent of Police Shri Pratik Kumar Singh, Shri Kumar stood in the divine presence of the deities, experiencing a moment of deep spiritual connection.
Reflecting on his visit to the 12th-century shrine, the Chief Election Commissioner expressed his firm belief that the blessings of Lord Jagannatha would provide him with the spiritual strength and inspiration to fulfill his constitutional duties with unwavering sincerity and dedication. He spoke with reverence about the ancient culture and rich traditions of Odisha, noting that he intends to absorb the spiritual wisdom embedded in the state’s heritage.
During his time at the temple, senior officials and servitors shared the profound mysteries and unique rituals of the Lord, describing the grandeur of the annual Rath Jatra and the deep-rooted bhakti that draws millions to the temple’s magnificent architecture.
Following his soul-stirring experience in Puri, Shri Kumar traveled the scenic coastal path to the world-renowned Sun Temple at Konark. As he stood before the UNESCO World Heritage Site, he was captivated by the extraordinary craftsmanship that defines the Kalinga style of architecture. He remarked that the Sun Temple is a testament to the spiritual and scientific prosperity of ancient India, filling his heart with a profound sense of national pride.
The visit to these two great pillars of Odia identity—the abode of the Lord of the Universe and the grand chariot of the Sun God—left an indelible mark on the Chief Election Commissioner.
Throughout this spiritual odyssey, he was accompanied by a delegation of senior electoral officers including Shri Sushant Kumar Mishra, Shri Gopinath Kanhar, Dr. Laxmi Prasad Sahu, and Smt. Anamika Singh.