Janmashtami 2024: Dharmendra Pradhan prays at Puri's Jagannath Temple, calls spirituality key to self-development
Synopsis
On Janmashtami, BJP MP Dharmendra Pradhan visited Puri's Jagannath Temple and linked spiritual connect directly to national development — a message echoed by PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, who both extended greetings to the nation, with Modi posting on X about Lord Krishna's inspiration for selfless action.
Key Takeaways
Dharmendra Pradhan , BJP MP and former Union Education Minister, offered prayers at the Jagannath Temple, Puri on Janmashtami, Friday .
Pradhan prayed for the welfare of the world, India, and Odisha , and said spirituality leads to self-development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Janmashtami greetings via a post on X , invoking Lord Krishna's message of selfless action.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah called Lord Krishna a symbol of righteousness, ethics, and public welfare.
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the four sacred dhams in Hindu tradition and a prominent site for public figures during major festivals.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament and former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan offered prayers at the Jagannath Temple in Puri on the occasion of Janmashtami on Friday, 6 September 2024, seeking the welfare of the country and Odisha while asserting that a spiritual connect is essential to individual self-development.
Pradhan's Message at the Temple
Speaking to reporters within the temple premises after his darshan, Pradhan said: 'On the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami festival today, I had the good fortune of having darshan of Mahaprabhu Shree Jagannath. On this sacred day, I prayed before Mahaprabhu and Lord Krishna for the welfare of the world, the welfare of the people of the country, and the welfare of our state Odisha.'
Extending greetings to citizens of Odisha and the nation, Pradhan added: 'May religious sentiments grow among people. The development of the nation will come only from the eternal flow of life. Connecting with spirituality will lead to self-development among people.'
PM Modi and Home Minister Shah Extend Greetings
Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended Janmashtami greetings to the nation via a post on social media platform X, expressing hope that the festival would bring positive energy, strength, and prosperity. Modi wrote: 'Heartfelt Janmashtami greetings to all of you. In the divine messages of Lord Shri Krishna lies the profound inspiration for selfless action, which has continuously guided humanity. May this sacred occasion, dedicated to his devotion and worship, infuse positive energy and strength into everyone's life — that is my heartfelt wish. Jai Shri Krishna.'
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed his wishes, stating: 'Heartfelt greetings to all countrymen on the sacred festival of Shri Krishna Janmashtami. May Lord Shri Krishna, the symbol of righteousness, ethics, and public welfare, continue to shower his blessings on everyone. Jai Shri Krishna.'
Significance of the Occasion
Janmashtami, which marks the birth of Lord Krishna, is observed across India with prayers, fasting, and cultural programmes. The Jagannath Temple in Puri — one of the four sacred dhams in Hindu tradition — draws pilgrims and public figures alike on such occasions, underscoring the deep intersection of faith and public life in Odisha.
Broader Context
Pradhan's visit to the Puri temple on a major religious occasion is consistent with his longstanding association with Odishan cultural and religious identity. His remarks linking spiritual development to national progress reflect a broader theme that senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have increasingly articulated in public discourse. As Janmashtami celebrations unfold across the country, the festival continues to serve as a moment for political leaders to connect with constituents through shared cultural and religious sentiment.
Point of View
A formulation that blurs the line between personal faith and public policy. With Odisha now politically significant after the BJP's state election gains, Pradhan's visible presence at the Jagannath Temple — a symbol central to Odishan identity — carries unmistakable strategic weight beyond mere religious observance.
NationPress
4 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Dharmendra Pradhan do on Janmashtami 2024?
Dharmendra Pradhan offered prayers at the Jagannath Temple in Puri on Janmashtami, praying for the welfare of the country, the world, and Odisha. He also said that connecting with spirituality leads to self-development among people.
What did PM Modi say on Janmashtami 2024?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted Janmashtami greetings on social media platform X, invoking Lord Krishna's message of selfless action and wishing that the occasion infuse positive energy and strength into everyone's life.
What did Amit Shah say on Janmashtami?
Union Home Minister Amit Shah extended greetings to all countrymen, describing Lord Krishna as a symbol of righteousness, ethics, and public welfare, and prayed for his continued blessings on everyone.
Why is the Jagannath Temple in Puri significant?
The Jagannath Temple in Puri is one of the four sacred dhams in Hindu tradition and holds deep religious significance for devotees across India, particularly in Odisha. It is a prominent site for both pilgrims and public figures during major festivals.
How is Janmashtami observed in India?
Janmashtami marks the birth of Lord Krishna and is observed across India through prayers, fasting, devotional singing, and cultural programmes. Major temples, including the Jagannath Temple in Puri, see large gatherings of devotees on this occasion.
