Puri, July 16 -- Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Thursday visited the Govardhana Peeth in Puri and sought the blessings of Shankaracharya Swami Nischalananda Saraswati ahead of the world-famous Jagannath Rath Yatra.

Pradhan was accompanied by Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra and Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

Speaking to ANI after meeting the Shankaracharya, Pradhan said he felt fortunate to receive his blessings before proceeding for the darshan of Lord Jagannath.

"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. Hav...