Puri, July 16 -- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday visited the Jagannath Temple in Puri ahead of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Earlier in the day, Pradhan visited the Govardhana Peeth and sought the blessings of Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati before proceeding for the darshan of Lord Jagannath.

Speaking to ANI after meeting the Shankaracharya, Pradhan said he felt fortunate to receive his blessings before visiting the temple.

"Today, on the occasion of the Rath Yatra at Puri Dham, I had the privilege of receiving the blessings of the revered Shankaracharya. I feel fortunate to be in the presence of Shankaracharya ji. Having received his blessings, I am now proceeding to seek the darshan of Mahapra...