Puri, May 18: BJP National President Nitin Nabin visited the sacred Jagannath Temple in Puri on Monday, marking his first official visit to the shrine after the recent elections in West Bengal and other states.

Accompanied by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, and several senior leaders, Nabin sought the blessings of Lord Jagannath for the prosperity of Odisha and the entire nation.

Expressing his emotions, Nabin described the darshan as a moment of divine fortune. “It is a blessing to witness Mahaprabhu after the elections. May Lord Jagannath’s grace remain upon the people of Odisha and the entire country,” he said. He added that he prayed for the happiness and prosperity of all citizens, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the nation’s leadership.

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Nabin, visibly moved, recalled his childhood experience of visiting the temple and said he felt deeply fortunate to have received darshan once again. He greeted devotees at the barricades, shaking hands and offering warm wishes.

Later in the afternoon, he performed rituals at the Ratna Singhasan, offering prayers to the Chaturdha Vigraha. He also paid homage to Goddess Bimala and Goddess Mahalaxmi.

Following the temple rituals, Nabin visited Puri MP Sambit Patra’s residence, where he partook of the sacred Mahaprasad. The temple administration, district officials, and his family priest Satyanarayan Guru welcomed him with traditional honours at the Singhadwar.

The visit was attended by several dignitaries including Pipili MLA Ashrit Pattanayak, Satyabadi MLA Om Prakash Mishra, Brahmagiri MLA Upasana Mahapatra, and former MLA Jayant Sarangi. District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida, SP Prateek Singh, and other officials were also present. Nabin signed the Yatri Paricharya register before leaving and spent some time near the Baisi Pahacha.

Young Daitapati Bhavani Das Mahapatra expressed hope that Nabin’s presence would encourage Prime Minister Modi and other senior BJP leaders to attend the world-famous Rath Yatra in Puri this year.