Puri: M Nagaraju, the esteemed Secretary of the Department of Financial Services, Government of India, made a significant visit to the revered Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri today. Arriving in the holy city this morning, Secretary DFS Shri Nagaraju was received with traditional warmth and respect by senior temple officials and local administrators.
The visit, which was primarily personal in nature, saw the Secretary participate in various rituals and offer prayers to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra.
He was accompanied by Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Odisha Chief Rajib Sekhar Sahoo and was seen immersing himself in the spiritual ambiance of the sacred shrine. Shri Sahoo is an ardent devotee of Lord Jagannath.
UCO Bank MD& CEO Ashwani Kumar, his wife, Indian Bank MD& CEO Binod Kumar also accompanied Shri Nagaraju.
Sources close to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration indicated that Secretary Shri Nagaraju spent a considerable amount of time within the temple complex, taking a keen interest in its rich history, architectural marvel, and the intricate daily rituals. He also interacted with the servitors, learning about their dedicated service and the age-old traditions associated with the temple.
While the visit was not officially tied to any specific government business, it holds symbolic importance given Secretary Shri Nagaraju’s high-ranking position in the financial sector. His presence at the 12th Century temple underscores the deep cultural and spiritual significance that Shree Jagannath Temple holds for people across the country, including those in prominent administrative roles.
Local devotees and temple visitors expressed their delight at witnessing the Union Secretary’s visit, seeing it as a positive gesture that further highlights the importance of the temple on a national level.
Following his temple visit, Secretary Shri Nagaraju spent some time exploring the cultural heritage of Puri before departing the State. This visit adds to the long list of dignitaries and prominent figures who have sought the blessings of Lord Jagannath, reinforcing the temple’s position as a cornerstone of Odisha’s cultural identity and a major pilgrimage site in India.