Ahead of taking oath as the Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik today visited Lord Jagannth's temple here for the blessings of the state's presiding dieties.
"I prayed to the Lord seeking peace and prosperity for the people of the state," Patnaik told media after coming out of the 12th century shrine.
Besides visiting the main temple, Patnaik also sought blessings of 'Maa Bimala' and 'Maha Laxmi'. He spent about half-an-hour inside the temple complex.
Before proceeding to Raj Bhavan to take oath as Chief Minister at 10.10 am, Patnaik used a chopper to cover the 60 kilometer between the state capital and Puri.
Patnaik was greeted by the Sri Jagannath Temple Administration and priests at the Lion's Gate.
It has been the tradition for politicians of Odisha to visit the Temple before initiating any good work, priests said.
