Puri: Chief of the Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi, visited Puri on Saturday morning and offered prayers at the revered Jagannath Temple. He prayed for the strength and preparedness of the Indian Armed Forces to face future challenges.

Warm reception by district officials

The Army Chief, who is on a three-day visit to Odisha, was accompanied by his family during the temple visit. He was received by Puri Collector Dibya Jyoti Parida and SP Prateek Singh, who escorted him to the temple premises.

After having darshan of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra on the Ratna Singhasan, the Army Chief also offered prayers at Maa Bimala, Maa Lakshmi, and other deities within the temple complex.

Expresses gratitude after darshan

Speaking to the media, General Dwivedi said he felt fortunate to have received the opportunity to visit the holy city and seek blessings. He also expressed gratitude to the people of Odisha and Puri for their hospitality.

Prayers for national security and Armed Forces

The Army Chief stated that he prayed for the continued strengthening of the Indian Army and its ability to effectively respond to any situation in the future, while also seeking blessings for the nation’s well-being.

Visits military facilities in Gopalpur

After the temple visit, General Dwivedi spent some time at the Sainik Sadan in Puri before proceeding under tight security to Talabania helipad. He later departed by a special helicopter for the military station at Gopalpur.