President Murmu prays for nation's well-being at Puri's Shree Jagannath Temple

Bhubaneswar, Dec 4: President Droupadi Murmu made a significant visit to the Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha, walking approximately 500 meters along the Grand Road to offer prayers for the nation’s well-being.

This marked a notable moment during her five-day trip to the state, which includes participation in the Navy Day celebrations at Blue Flag Beach.

During her initial state visit after taking office in July 2022, President Murmu had previously stopped her motorcade at Balagandi Chhak to walk to the temple as an ordinary devotee. Accompanied by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, she raised her hands in reverence to Lord Jagannath while greeting the crowd that had gathered along the roadside.

Upon her arrival at the Lion’s Gate, she was welcomed by Gajapati Maharaja Dibya Singh Deb. In a gesture of respect, she knelt before the gate, washed her feet, and entered the shrine like any devotee. Spending around 30 minutes inside the 12th-century temple, she performed puja at the shrines of Maa Bimala and Maha Laxmi. Exiting the temple, she expressed her prayers for the prosperity and well-being of all Indians. The temple’s chief administrator, Arabinda Padhee, noted that the shrine was temporarily closed to the public during her visit to ensure a smooth experience for the President.