Lucknow: Lord Jagannath, “Lord of the Universe,” protects all devotees and represents unity of the nation, said deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak, taking part in Sri Jagannath Rath Yatra organised by the ISKCON Temple, Golf City, on Thursday. He said the deity has united the country from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.At a function organised at Ravindralaya, Pathak said, “Jagannath is derived from Sanskrit words—’Jagat’ (the universe) and ‘Nath’ (Lord)—meaning Supreme Lord of the universe.“Blessings of Lord Jagannath have united the country from Kashmir to Kanyakumari in a single spiritual thread,” said Pathak.He said human birth is rare and precious, and people should use it for noble deeds, serving the needy and remaining devoted to the Almighty.Congratulating the ISKCON Temple for promoting spiritual values, he said devotees receive valuable guidance from revered saints associated with the organisation.Several religious leaders and ISKCON functionaries, including Bhaktipadam Saurabh Pracharak Swami Maharaj, Prem Harinam Prabhu, Aparimeya Shyam Das, president of ISKCON Temple, and Achintya Rupani Mataji, were greeted by Pathak, who participated in pulling the ceremonial chariot and also undertook voluntary service to help clean the route of the procession.He said such religious and cultural events inspire people, strengthen social harmony and infuse society with renewed spiritual energy.
