Chhattisgarh is not only the “Rice Bowl” but also a land of service, dedication, and faith — Chief Minister Sai.

IN Short

• Grand inauguration of Shri Ram Katha at Tendua Dham: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai receives blessings from Saints

• Chhattisgarh is not only the “Rice Bowl” but also a land of service, dedication, and faith – Chief Minister Sai

Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai attended the nine-day Shri Ram Katha at Ram Milenge Ashram, Tendua Dham, Kuriyari, located in Shivrinarayan of Janjgir-Champa district. Accompanied by his wife Kaushalya Sai, he performed rituals and prayers, wishing for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of the people of the state.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai also received blessings from Padma Vibhushan awardee Jagadguru Rambhadracharya Maharaj.

In his address, Chief Minister Sai said that the sacred land of Chhattisgarh has been blessed by the presence of Lord Ram. Referring to Lord Ram’s exile period and the deep devotion of Mata Shabari, he highlighted the region’s rich tradition of faith, dedication, and belief.

CM Sai said that Tendua Dham is emerging as a major center of religious and cultural awakening, where thousands of devotees are gathering to listen to Shri Ram Katha.

Describing the occasion as highly fortunate, he said receiving blessings from multiple saints on one stage was a unique experience.

He expressed gratitude to the ashram management for inaugurating several religious and cultural facilities, including Harivansh Aushadhalaya and Panchakarma Center, Shri Ram-Janaki Mandapam, Harivansh Vedic School, Maa Durga Gau Mandir, and Hanumat Entrance Gate.

The Chief Minister stated that Chhattisgarh, while known as the “Rice Bowl,” is equally a land of service, dedication, and faith. He recalled that during the construction of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Chhattisgarh contributed 11 truckloads of rice and sent a team of doctors, reflecting the deep devotion of its people.

He noted that after nearly 500 years, Lord Shri Ram is now enshrined in a grand temple, symbolising the nation’s cultural unity and pride. Through the Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana, thousands of devotees are benefiting from visits to Ayodhya Dham.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai further said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the guidance of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and the courage of security forces, Naxalism has been eliminated from the state, with peace, development, and social harmony now being prioritised. He added that “Chhattisgarhiya Sable Badiya” reflects the true identity of the state’s culture and values.

On this occasion, various religious and cultural projects were inaugurated in the presence of Param Pujya Vasudevanand Saraswati Maharaj, Kinnar Akhada head Maa Tina, and several other saints.

Dr. Ashok Harivansh, head of Raghav Seva Samiti, informed that the site is located in Shivrinarayan, believed to be the birthplace of Mata Shabari, where a grand Shri Ram Temple is being constructed in Kalinga architectural style.

The ashram runs multiple social and religious initiatives, including a dispensary, Vedic school, Gau Mandir, Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple, Gita Vatika, Shabari Rasoi, and mass marriage programs for underprivileged girls. Special days are also being organised for different groups, including specially abled, blood donors, leprosy patients, and meritorious students.

The event was attended by MP Kamlesh Jangde, Mahant Ramsundar Das, other public representatives, officials, and a large number of devotees.