Puri: President Droupadi Murmu prayed for progress and prosperity of India during her visit to Jagannath temple in Odisha’s Puri on Thursday.
This was written by the President in her own handwriting in Odia language in the visitors’ book of the temple after offering puja to Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra and other deities on its premises.
“I feel fortunate to have darshan of the Lords inside the temple. I had a rare and pious feeling while offering puja to the presiding Lord of all Odia people. Mahaprabhu Jagannath is also worshipped by the tribals as their Lord,” wrote President Murmu who belongs to a tribal community.
Stating that Lord Jagannath is the God of entire mankind, she prayed for peace in the world and welfare of all the people. “I expressed my earnest desire to the Lord for the progress and prosperity of our country,” the President wrote on the visitors’ book and signed it.
Murmu, who is on her first visit to Odisha after assuming the office, scripted history as she chose to walk around 2 km from the Medical Chhak along Bada Danda (Grand Road) to Jagannath Temple in the pilgrim town. She surprised her security details when she got off the vehicle and started walking along the Grand Road.
She was welcomed by Puri Gajapati Dibyasingha Deb at the temple. She touched the Aruna Stambha (Sun Pillar) for blessings before heading towards Singhadwara (Lion gateway) of the temple. She was accompanied by her daughter, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, BJP leader Sambit Patra and senior officers.
