Puri, June 29 -- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday offered prayers at the Jagannath Temple in Puri and witnessed the sacred 'Snana Yatra' of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra on the occasion of Deva Snana Purnima, one of the major rituals preceding the annual Rath Yatra.

Speaking after offering prayers, Pradhan expressed gratitude for getting an opportunity to have darshan of Lord Jagannath and seek his blessings.

"I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to get a darshan of Mahaprabhu on the auspicious occasion of Snana Purnima. I am deeply grateful. In these times of global crisis, may the blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath remain upon human civilization, upon our India, and upon our st...