Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Dec 4: President Droupadi Murmu walked approximately 500 meters along the Grand Road to the Shree Jagannath Temple in Odisha, offering prayers for the well-being of the nation. This marked a significant moment during her five-day visit to the state, as she opted to walk from Balagandi Chhak to the temple, setting a precedent on her maiden state visit since assuming office in July 2022.
Accompanied by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, President Murmu raised her hands in invocation to Lord Jagannath and waved to the gathered crowd along the roadside. Upon reaching the Lion’s Gate, she was welcomed by Gajapati Maharaja Dibya Singh Deb. In a gesture of respect, she knelt at the Lion’s Gate before entering the shrine, washing her feet like any other devotee.
Inside the 12th-century temple for around 30 minutes, the President also offered prayers at the sub-shrines of Maa Bimala and Maha Laxmi. After her darshan of the sibling deities, she received gifts from the temple administration and local servitors. “I sought the blessings of the Lord and prayed for the people of India, wishing for their well-being and prosperity,” she told reporters. The temple’s chief administrator, Arabinda Padhee, noted that the shrine was closed to the general public for about an hour during her visit, emphasizing the smooth arrangements made for her prayers. Following her temple visit, the President was set to partake in Mahaprasad at Raj Bhawan.
