Bhubaneswar, Dec 27: Chief Election Commissioner of India Gyanesh Kumar, on a three-day visit to Odisha, offered prayers at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri and later visited the Sun Temple at Konark on Saturday. He said the blessings of Lord Jagannath would inspire him to discharge his constitutional responsibilities with greater dedication.

Spiritual Significance

Upon arrival in Bhubaneswar, Kumar conveyed greetings to the people of Odisha in Odia and was received at the Biju Patnaik International Airport by Chief Electoral Officer Odisha R. S. Gopalan and senior officials. At Puri, he was welcomed by temple administrators including Arabinda Padhee, District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida, and Superintendent of Police Pratik Kumar Singh, who facilitated his darshan of Lord Jagannath and other deities.

Kumar expressed admiration for Odisha’s ancient art, literature, and culture, noting that his visit was an opportunity to learn more about these traditions. Temple officials and servitors briefed him on the unique rituals of the Jagannath Temple, the annual Rath Yatra, and the temple’s architectural grandeur.

Visit to Konark

Travelling along the coastal route, Kumar visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site Sun Temple at Konark. He praised the extraordinary craftsmanship and historical significance of the monument, built in the Kalinga style of architecture. He remarked that the temple is not only a symbol of Odisha’s heritage but also a matter of pride for the entire nation, reflecting the prosperity and scientific advancement of ancient India.

Heritage and Pride

Kumar said the Shree Jagannath Temple and the Sun Temple stand as magnificent examples of Odisha’s rich heritage and age-old traditions. He described the experience of visiting these sacred and historic places as unforgettable.

He was accompanied by Additional Chief Electoral Officer Sushant Kumar Mishra, Joint Chief Electoral Officer Gopinath Kanhar, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Laxmi Prasad Sahu, Anamika Singh, and other senior officials.