Uttarakhand CM Dhami visits Latu Devta shrine on Buddha Purnima, prays for state's welfare

The shrine of Latu Devta, believed to be the brother of goddess Nanda Devi, opened its portals on Monday in celebration of Buddha Purnima.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited Latu Dham in Chamoli and prayed for the prosperity, happiness, and well-being of both the country and the state.

देवाल, चमोली में श्री लाटू देवता के कपाटोद्घाटन के पावन अवसर पर आयोजित कार्यक्रम में सम्मिलित होकर पूजा-अर्चना की एवं समस्त प्रदेशवासियों के सुख, समृद्धि और मंगल की कामना की। श्री लाटू देवता के कपाट खुलना केवल एक धार्मिक अनुष्ठान नहीं, बल्कि हमारी आस्था, परंपरा और सनातन संस्कृति… pic.twitter.com/9yteN5CXme

— Pushkar Singh Dhami (@pushkardhami) May 12, 2025

During his visit, CM Dhami highlighted the significance of Uttarakhand’s many sacred sites, including the four Dhams and other important religious places like Tungnath, Rudranath, Jageshwar, Adi Kailash, and Adibadri.

He emphasized that smaller temples also play an essential role in preserving the state’s cultural heritage.

CM Dhami praised Latu Dham for its historical, social, and cultural importance, noting that the temple symbolizes a tradition that spans thousands of years.

He pointed out that the unique custom of visiting the temple with eyes blindfolded illustrates that faith is not just physical but deeply rooted in the heart.

He also shared that the state government is actively working to renovate ancient temples, safeguard cultural heritage, and improve facilities around these religious sites.

Speaking about development initiatives, CM Dhami mentioned the ongoing construction of an all-weather road and the rapid progress of the Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail line. Additionally, the state is undertaking master planning efforts at Badrinath and Kedarnath Dhams to enhance passenger facilities.

Earlier in the day, CM Dhami participated in the Shri Peetham Sthapana Mahotsav program of the Shri Kalyanika Himalaya Devasthanam Trust at Dol Ashram in Lamgara, Almora.

He praised Baba Kalyandas Ji Maharaj’s establishment of the Sriyantra at the ashram, which he believes will become a future center for devotion, spirituality, and cultural exploration, attracting people from around the world.