Devotion / Dharmendra Pradhan Offers Prayers at Puri Jagannath Temple on Janmashtami

Puri, Sept 4: Sambalpur MP and former Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Friday paid obeisance at Shree Jagannath Temple here in Odisha on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami, seeking blessings of the Holy Trinity for peace and prosperity.

Pradhan, accompanied by his family and supporters, spent nearly 45 minutes inside the 11th‑century shrine.

After offering prayers, the senior BJP leader distributed sweets among devotees, symbolising community bonding. At the Singhadwar, he was warmly received by servitors, party workers, and officials with flags and traditional gestures of welcome.

Speaking to reporters, Pradhan said he felt “blessed to have Mahaprabhu’s darshan on Janmashtami” and prayed for the well‑being of the nation and Odisha. He extended greetings to people across the country and expressed hope for a society enriched with spiritual growth and happiness.

The visit drew enthusiastic crowds along the barricaded pathways, where devotees chanted “Jai Jagannath.” Moved by their fervour, Pradhan interacted with them, bowing in reverence — a gesture of humility that struck a chord with the devotees.

Later, the Sambalpur MP visited Lokanath Temple before attending a Bhagavat discourse organised by Sadhvi Ritambhara.
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On Thursday, Pradhan visited Shri Govardhan Math in Puri, where he paid respects to Jagadguru Shankaracharya Ji and received his blessings. He described the occasion as a privilege, noting that the Shankaracharya’s guidance serves as a source of strength in advancing the values of dharma, service, and public welfare.

Janmashtami, marking the birth of Lord Krishna, is being celebrated nationwide with religious fervour. Devotees observe fasts, perform rituals, and decorate temples and homes with scenes from Krishna’s childhood in Gokul and Vrindavan.