PM Modi Invokes Lord Jagannath's Blessings with Sacred Sanskrit Shloka on Rath Yatra

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday greeted the nation on the sacred occasion of Rath Yatra , sharing a Sanskrit Subhashitam in praise of Lord Jagannath and praying for peace, prosperity and renewed energy in the lives of all Indians.

In a message posted on social media, the Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt wishes for the annual festival, one of the most revered celebrations in the Hindu calendar. He said he hoped that the divine blessings of Mahaprabhu Jagannath would always remain with the people of the country and inspire fresh strength and positivity in every citizen.

To mark the occasion, Modi shared the Sanskrit verse: "Devadeva Jagannatha Surasura Namaskrita,

Punyashlokavyayananta Paramatman Namostute."

The ancient prayer offers salutations to Lord Jagannath , describing Him as the supreme divine being revered by both gods and demons, the eternal and infinite Paramatma worthy of universal worship.

Along with the verse, the Prime Minister wrote in Hindi that he prayed for Lord Jagannath's blessings to remain upon everyone. He said the deity's divine grace should fill the lives of all countrymen with new energy , reflecting the spirit of hope and renewal associated with the grand chariot festival.

Rath Yatra , celebrated with immense devotion in Puri, Odisha , commemorates the annual journey of Lord Jagannath, along with Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra, from the Jagannath Temple to the Gundicha Temple. The festival attracts millions of devotees from India and abroad, who gather to witness the majestic procession of the deities on elaborately decorated wooden chariots.

The Prime Minister's message comes as celebrations are being held across the country, with devotees participating in processions, prayers and community events dedicated to Lord Jagannath.

His greetings echoed the festival's enduring message of faith, unity, compassion and spiritual upliftment , while wishing that the blessings of Lord Jagannath bring happiness, harmony and renewed optimism to every household.