Puri

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday visited Govardhan Math in Odisha's Puri and sought the blessings of Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati on the occasion of the Rath Yatra festival.

Accompanied by state ministers Krushna Chandra Mohapatra and Suryabanshi Suraj, Pradhan visited the religious place.

“I feel blessed to have received the guidance of Guru ji (Shankaracharya) on the Rath Yatra day,’ Pradhan said after visiting the Govardhan Math, one of the four mutts established by Adi Shankaracharya.

His affection and spiritual guidance always serve as an inspiration, the Union education minister said.

In a post on X, Pradhan wrote, “On the auspicious occasion of the sacred Rath Yatra, I had the good fortune to bow at the lotus feet of His Holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya Ji of Shri Govardhan Math Puri and receive his blessings. Being present in this great spiritual center of Sanatan tradition and Shri Jagannath culture, my heart is overwhelmed with devotion, peace, and joy.”

Pradhan uploaded pictures on his social media, in which he was seen seeking the blessings of Swami Nischalananda Saraswati.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also visited Govardhan Math and sought the blessings of Puri Shankaracharya ahead of the Rath Yatra.

In a social media post on Wednesday, Majhi said, "Today, at Sri Govardhana Matha, I was blessed by His Holiness Jagadguru Shankaracharya Swami Sri Nischalananda Saraswati Maharaj."

His guidance has infused renewed energy and firm resolve for the continuous service of the people of the state, the chief minister said

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"For the protection of our rich cultural heritage, the establishment of human values, and the safeguarding of social harmony, the invaluable life, philosophy and guidance of His Holiness Shankaracharya always serve as a guiding light," he said.