GORAKHPUR, Oct. 20 -- Chief minister and Gorakshapeethadhishwar Yogi Adityanath performed Kanya Pujan at Gorakhnath temple on Monday on Maha Navami, worshipping nine young girls as manifestations of Goddess Durga. He washed their feet, applied tilak, offered prayers, performed aarti and served them food with his own hands before presenting them with gifts and monetary offerings. He also worshipped batuks (young boys), traditionally regarded as manifestations of Bhairav during the ritual. The ceremony was held at the temple's Annakshetra (community kitchen) amid Vedic chants and recitations from the Durga Saptashati. Several other girls and boys also participated in the Kanya Bhoj and received food, gifts and monetary offerings. He interacted with the children while serving food and instructed temple staff to ensure proper arrangements for all participants. Gorakhnath temple chief priest Yogi Kamalnath, Kalibari Mahant Ravindradas and other seers were present.Earlier, the chief minister offered prayers to Goddess Siddhidatri at the temple's Shaktipeeth, following traditional rituals on the ninth day of Sharadiya Navratri. htc...