He performed 'Kanya Pujan' on the ninth day of Navratri at the Gorakhnath Temple here earlier in the day, an official statement said

Adityanath, also the 'peethadheeshwar' of Gorakhnath Temple, washed the feet of nine girls, representing the nine forms of Goddess Durga, in a brass plate filled with water in the temple's dining hall

While talking to reporters after Kanya Pujan, he said, "In every era and situation, whenever evil started becoming dominant, 'Sanatan Dharma' always accepted it as a challenge, faced it and paved the way for the welfare of the public and nation"

Amid the chants of Durga Saptashati mantras, he applied vermillion, sandalwood paste, yoghurt, and rice grains on their foreheads. He then garlanded the girls and gave them a 'chunri' (scarf), 'dakshina' (offering), and gifts. He also sought their blessings, an official release said

Following the ritual, the girls were treated to a freshly cooked meal in the temple's kitchen, served personally by the chief minister. Adityanath also performed Batuk Puja (young boys) as Batuks are manifestations of the deity Kal Bhairav, the release said

Besides the nine girls, several children visited the Gorakhnath Peeth, known for its deep reverence for Matri Shakti (power of motherhood). They were welcomed by the chief minister and served food and given gifts

Many schemes of the Central and state government for women are being run. To create public awareness about them and their effective implementation, the fourth phase of 'Mission Shakti' is being carried forward effectively, the CM said

"The Navdurga Puja programmes are being organised across the state and the fourth phase of Mission Shakti is progressing effectively," he said

In the morning, the CM performed the puja of Maa Siddhidatri with traditional rituals and procedures at the Shaktipeeth within the temple