From Rishikesh to Puri on foot: Two saints’ 90-day pilgrimage of devotion

In an extraordinary display of devotion and endurance, two saints from Uttar Pradesh have been walking barefoot for over 90 days, driven solely by the desire to have darshan (a sacred glimpse) of Lord Jagannath in Puri, Odisha.

According to reports, the hermits embarked on their pilgrimage on April 30, 2025, from Rishikesh, after bathing in the holy river Ganga, marking the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. Braving harsh weather, physical exhaustion, and long stretches without rest, they have already covered around 2,800 km on foot, averaging 30–45 km per day.

“If we don’t find a place to stay at night, we simply keep walking,” said Saint Premdharan Shukla, one of the pilgrims.

“I’ve had darshan of Lord Jagannath once before. Puri is one of the four sacred ‘Dhams’ in Sanatan Dharma. With the Lord’s blessing, we’ve undertaken this journey again,” he added.

Must Read: From Biraja to Srikshetra; Group of devotees walk to Puri ahead of Rath Yatra upholding tradition of faith

The second saint, undertaking the journey for the first-ever darshan of the Lord, shared, “I’m excited and hopeful. With the Lord’s will and our commitment, we will reach Puri and witness His divine presence.”

With about 300 km left, the duo expects to reach Puri in the next 10 days. Their journey stands as a profound reminder of the enduring traditions of faith, sacrifice, and devotion that continue to inspire millions across India.