Brahmapur,(Sudip Kumar Sahu): In a moment of profound spiritual significance and historic distinction, the sacred abode of Maa Kandhuni Devi at Taptapani in Ganjam district welcomed the Hon’ble President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu. By offering prayers at this revered shrine, the Hon’ble President became the first sitting President of India to visit this sacred seat of tribal faith, adding a glorious chapter to the spiritual and cultural history of the region. The visit will be cherished as an enduring symbol of reverence, inclusion and national pride.
Bathed in an atmosphere of devotion, the temple precincts resonated with the sacred sounds of conch shells, temple bells and Vedic hymns, creating an ambience of divine serenity. Adhering to centuries-old tribal customs and sacred traditions, the temple priests and members of the local tribal community accorded the Hon’ble President a ceremonial welcome marked by profound reverence, heartfelt devotion and traditional hospitality.
Following the prescribed religious rituals, the Hon’ble President offered prayers before Maa Kandhuni Devi, invoking blessings for the peace, prosperity, unity and well-being of the nation. She also visited the nearby Mahadev Temple, where she participated in the sacred Aarti, further reflecting India’s timeless spiritual ethos and reverence for its ancient traditions.
Describing the occasion as a landmark in the history of the shrine, Chief Priest Shri Prashant Kumar Jani said, “It is an extraordinary privilege for us to welcome the Hon’ble President in accordance with our age-old customs amidst the auspicious sounds of conch shells, temple bells and sacred chants. The visit of the First Citizen of India has transformed this day into a golden milestone in the history of Maa Kandhuni Devi Peetha. It has filled every member of the tribal community with immense pride, joy and spiritual fulfilment.
He further observed, “Every traditional ritual was performed with utmost devotion to ensure that the Hon’ble President received the divine blessings of Maa Kandhuni Devi in their fullest sanctity. We firmly believe that this sacred visit will usher in a new era of recognition, development and prosperity for Taptapani and the surrounding tribal region. We pray to the Divine Mother to bless the Hon’ble President with good health, strength, wisdom and a long life dedicated to the service of the nation.”
The Hon’ble President’s historic pilgrimage infused the entire Taptapani region with an atmosphere of festivity and spiritual exhilaration. For the local tribal community, devotees and residents, the occasion transcended the significance of a ceremonial visit. It became a powerful affirmation of the nation’s recognition of their rich cultural heritage, indigenous traditions, enduring faith and distinctive way of life.
The sacred footsteps of the Hon’ble President have not only bestowed renewed glory upon the revered shrine of Maa Kandhuni Devi but have also illuminated Ganjam’s vibrant tribal heritage, spiritual traditions and immense religious tourism potential on the national canvas. This historic visit is destined to remain an enduring source of inspiration, reaffirming the timeless values of faith, cultural harmony and inclusive national pride.
