Puri: In a profound display of spiritual devotion, the President of India, Shrimati Droupadi Murmu, visited the holy city of Puri today to seek the blessings of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannatha.
Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA), Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee presented a warm welcome to President of India and all the dignitaries on their arrival at the 12th-century shrine.
Dduring her multi-day tour of Odisha, the President offered heartfelt prayers for the continued peace, progress, and prosperity of the people of Odisha and the entire nation.
The President of India was accompanied by the Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, and the Deputy Chief Minister, Smt. Pravati Parida, along with Governor Dr.Hari Babu Kambhampati.
Upon her arrival at the Singhadwar, she was received with traditional warmth and conducted into the sanctum sanctorum, where she performed darshan of the Chaturdha Murti—Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Sudarshan.
Earlier in the morning, the President also performed sacred rituals for her ancestors at the Sweta Ganga tank, reflecting her deep-rooted connection to traditional Vedic customs. During her time within the temple complex, she visited the shrines of Maa Bimala and Maa Laxmi and spent moments in quiet reflection on the Baisi Pahacha.
To ensure the visit was conducted with the highest level of sanctity and security, the Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannatha Temple Administration (SJTA), Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, oversaw foolproof arrangements. Under his supervision, the temple administration coordinated closely with district authorities to manage the protocol and rituals seamlessly, briefly restricting public darshan to allow the VVIP visit to proceed without hindrance.
As a mark of divine grace, a sacred Patitapabana flag was hoisted atop the temple for the fulfillment of the President’s wishes. Before departing for her next destination, Rairangpur, the President walked a short distance along the Badadanda, greeting the devotees who had gathered to catch a glimpse of the daughter of the soil in her spiritual home.