Kedarnath : Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath offered prayers at Kedarnath Temple on Sunday morning as he wrapped up his three-day tour to Uttarakhand. Thousands of people greeted CM Yogi, chanting Jai Shri Ram near the temple area.
Badri Kedar Temple Committee Chairman Ajay Ajayendra, District Panchayat President, Rudraprayag, Amardei Shah, BJP District President Mahavir Panwar, District Magistrate Dr Saurabh Gaharwar, Superintendent of Police Dr Vishakha and other dignitaries welcomed him at the Kedarnath helipad by presenting him bouquets.
While speaking to media outside the temple, CM Yogi said, "I got the chance to visit Shri Badrinath Dham and Kedarnath. Badrinath Dham is leading forward with the new construction. In the country and even in the whole world wherever devotees live they come here with huge faith and excitement. Lakhs of devotees are coming to these pilgrims this is an inspiration for us."
"In the year 2013, Kedarnath witnessed a disaster, but due to the confidence of local residents and under the leadership of PM Modi we overcame it and today both Kedarnath and Badrinath represent the new India," he added.
"Today's Kedarnath & Badrinath represent the spirit of New India. These places are not just devotional but they also represent the nation's integrity," said the UP CM.
The priest community congratulated CM Yogi with the traditional chanting of mantras.
After meeting the party workers, CM Yogi visited the Kedarnath Temple and wished the welfare of the people of the country and the state. Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Durga Shankar Mishra, Principal Secretary (Home) Sanjay Prasad and Principal Secretary Tourism Mukesh Meshram were also present on the occasion.
Earlier in the day, CM Yogi also visited the Sundar Nath cave in Badrinath Dham and offered prayers. On Saturday evening, CM Yogi attended the Shayan Aarti of Badrinath Dham, had 'darshan', and worshipped as per the rituals. He also participated in the meeting of the Central Regional Council held at Narendra Nagar in Tehri. After that, he visited various areas of Uttarakhand.