Bhubaneswar, Dec 27 (NationPress) During his three-day visit to Odisha, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar made a spiritual pilgrimage to the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri on Saturday, where he offered prayers and sought the blessings of Lord Jagannath. He later explored the historic Sun Temple at Konark.

In his statement, the CEC expressed his conviction that the divine grace of Lord Jagannath would inspire him to fulfill his constitutional duties with heightened sincerity and dedication.

Upon arriving in Bhubaneswar, CEC Kumar paid homage to Lord Jagannath and extended warm greetings to the people of Odisha in the local Odia language.

He received a cordial welcome at Biju Patnaik International Airport from Odisha's Chief Electoral Officer, R.S. Gopalan, and other senior officials.

At the Shree Jagannath Temple, he was greeted by the temple's Chief Administrator, Arabinda Padhee, District Collector Dibyajyoti Parida, and Superintendent of Police Pratik Kumar Singh, who facilitated his darshan of Lord Jagannath and the other deities.

He praised the art, literature, and culture of Odisha as ancient and distinctive, stating that he would strive to learn about these rich traditions during his visit.

Senior temple officials briefed CEC Kumar on the spiritual and cultural significance of Lord Jagannath, the unique rituals and traditions at the Shree Jagannath Temple, and the famous Rath Yatra that attracts millions of devotees, along with the exquisite temple architecture and deep-rooted devotional practices.

After his temple visit, the CEC traveled along the coastal route to the renowned Sun Temple at Konark.

He was profoundly impressed by the extraordinary craftsmanship and historical importance of Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, constructed in the unique Kalinga architectural style.

At the Sun Temple, CEC Kumar remarked that this temple is not only a symbol of Odisha's heritage but also a point of pride for the entire nation. He noted, "One can truly appreciate how prosperous ancient India was in terms of wealth, knowledge, and scientific advancement by observing the grandeur and intricate craftsmanship of the temple."

He further stated that reflecting on this legacy instills a profound sense of pride.

The Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri and the Sun Temple in Konark are magnificent representations of Odisha's rich heritage and timeless traditions, he concluded.

CEC Kumar expressed that the divine experience of visiting these sacred and historic sites would remain deeply embedded in his memory.

During his visits to Puri and Konark, the CEC was accompanied by Odisha's CEO Gopalan; Additional Chief Electoral Officer Sushant Kumar Mishra; Joint Chief Electoral Officer Gopinath Kanhar; Deputy Chief Electoral Officer Laxmi Prasad Sahu; Anamika Singh; along with local administration officials and other senior officers.