Bhubaneswar: A special pilgrimage train carrying over 1,100 devotees of Lord Shiva flagged off from Odisha towards the holy abode of Lord Somnath in Gujarat. Named the Somnath Swabhiman Yatra, the special train marks a momentous journey celebrating Indian faith, devotion, and cultural resilience.
Flagging off the train and addressing the gathering at the railway station, Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the Yatra extended their heartfelt greetings and cultural respect to the pilgrims. Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture organized the entire program successfully.
The initiative is being seen not just as a train journey, but as a celebration of the immortal strength of Indian culture that has stood undefeated through centuries of challenges. Minister Culture, Shri Surjyabanshi Suraj, Ekamra Bhubaneswar Law Maker shri Babu Singh and others joined the occasion.
Dr.Bijay Ketan Upadhyay, Secretary Odia Language, Literature and Culture, coordinated the mammoth pilgrimage, which connected Odisha with Gujarat.
Secretary Dr.Upadhyay has single handedly taking up the mega program and executing in a precision manner, which is lauded by everyone. The holy site of Somnath, situated on the Arabian Sea coast in Gujarat, holds immense spiritual value as the first among the twelve Jyotirlingas. It is situated at the sacred confluence of three rivers—Kapila, Hiran, and Saraswati. The region also marks the holy land where Lord Krishna performed his final pastimes before departing for Vaikuntha, making it a grand meeting point of Saiva and Vaishnava traditions.
As a profound gesture of spiritual unity between Odisha and Gujarat, sacred elements from Odisha’s rich heritage are being sent to be offered at the feet of Lord Somnath. Holy water from the Bindusagar tank of Ekamra Kshetra, which is believed to contain the waters of all sacred pilgrimages in India, is being carried by the train for the ritual water ablation of the deity. Additionally, sacred soil from the ancient Kedargouri Temple is being sent to represent Odisha’s deep-rooted devotion and cultural identity.
To assist the pilgrims during their spiritual journey, the government has provided each traveler with a booklet of the sacred chant Om Namah Shivaya to encourage meditation and mental peace throughout the transit.
The successful organization of this monumental pilgrimage was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, district administrations, Indian Railways, IRCTC, security forces, medical teams, and dedicated volunteers. The event concluded with prayers for a safe, blissful, and successful journey for all the pilgrims, chanting slogans of Har Har Mahadev and Jai Jagannath.