India, Jan. 25 -- Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath met and felicitated Jagadguru Shankaracharya Shri Vidhushekhar Bharti Ji Maharaj of Sringeri Peetham during his visit here on Saturday.

"It is a matter of immense pride that the revered Shankaracharya of Sringeri Peetham has graced Prayagraj with his presence. The Mahakumbh feels complete with your arrival," Yogi Adityanath said. In a traditional southern welcome, the CM was presented with a coconut, symbolising the Kumbh. In return, he draped a shawl over the Shankaracharya and offered him fruits as a gesture of respect.

Yogi said Sringeri Peetham Shankaracharya's formal participation in Mahakumbh after a long gap has significantly enhanced its grandeur. "Your five-day stay...