Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and his wife Kaushalya Sai perform Aarti during their visit to the sacred pilgrimage town of Shivrinarayan in Janjgir-Champa district on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, offering prayers for the peace, prosperity and wellbeing of the people of the state. Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
Accompanied by wife Kaushalya Sai, Chief Minister visits Nar-Narayan and Jagannath temples, performs Gau Puja and describes Shivrinarayan as a sacred centre of faith, cultural heritage and spiritual consciousness.
Key Highlights
- Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and wife Kaushalya Sai offer prayers at the Nar-Narayan Temple in Shivrinarayan.
- Sai prays for the happiness, prosperity, peace and continued progress of Chhattisgarh.
- Chief Minister feeds cows jaggery and bananas during Gau Puja at the Math Temple.
- Sai describes Shivrinarayan as a sacred land associated with Mata Shabari’s devotion and Lord Shri Ram.
- Chief Minister emphasises the government’s commitment to protecting the state’s religious and cultural heritage.
- Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, Finance Minister O. P. Choudhary and other dignitaries attend the occasion.
Raipur: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, accompanied by his wife Kaushalya Sai, visited the sacred pilgrimage town of Shivrinarayan in Janjgir-Champa district on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, and offered prayers at the revered Nar-Narayan Temple for the happiness, prosperity and wellbeing of the people of Chhattisgarh. The Chief Minister performed traditional religious rituals and sought divine blessings for peace, social harmony and the state’s continued progress, describing Shivrinarayan as an important centre of Chhattisgarh’s faith, culture and spiritual consciousness.
The Chief Minister’s visit to the historic pilgrimage town reflected the enduring significance of religious traditions in Chhattisgarh’s cultural life. Shivrinarayan, associated with the devotion of Mata Shabari and the sacred memories of Lord Shri Ram, occupies a prominent place in the state’s spiritual heritage.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and his wife Kaushalya Sai, accompanied by saints, public representatives and other dignitaries, at a temple in Shivrinarayan, Janjgir-Champa district, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, during their visit to the historic pilgrimage town.Photo: channel24india.com via CG/CMO
During the visit, Sai also performed Gau Puja at the Math Temple, offered prayers at the Jagannath Temple and interacted with saints and devotees.
Shivrinarayan Is a Sacred Centre of Faith and Spiritual Consciousness: Sai
Describing the pilgrimage town as an inseparable part of Chhattisgarh’s religious identity, Chief Minister Sai said that Shivrinarayan represents centuries of devotion, cultural traditions and spiritual values.
The Chief Minister said:
“Shivrinarayan is an important centre of faith, culture and spiritual consciousness in Chhattisgarh. This sacred land preserves the memories associated with Mata Shabari’s unwavering devotion and Lord Shri Ram. Visiting this holy place brings a special sense of peace and spiritual energy.”
Sai emphasised that the state’s religious and cultural inheritance is a valuable legacy that must be protected through collective responsibility.
“Chhattisgarh’s religious and cultural heritage is exceptionally rich. Preserving and promoting this heritage is the responsibility of every one of us.”
His remarks highlighted the significance of Shivrinarayan not merely as a destination for religious worship but also as a symbol of the state’s historical continuity and cultural identity.
Chief Minister Prays for Prosperity and Wellbeing of Every Family
At the Nar-Narayan Temple, Sai performed traditional worship and offered prayers for the welfare of the people of Chhattisgarh.
The Chief Minister sought divine blessings for the state’s continued development, peace and happiness, expressing the hope that every family would experience prosperity and security. Sai said:
“May every family in Chhattisgarh be blessed with happiness, peace and prosperity. With the blessings of the Almighty, may our state continue progressing on the path of development and wellbeing, and may harmony, brotherhood and mutual affection always prevail in society.”
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and his wife Kaushalya Sai feed cows during Gau Puja at the Math Temple in Shivrinarayan, Janjgir-Champa district, on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, highlighting the significance of cow care in Chhattisgarh’s religious and rural traditions. Photo: channel24india.com via via CG/CMO
The Chief Minister’s prayers reflected his emphasis on the relationship between material progress, social harmony and the wellbeing of citizens.
He expressed the hope that Chhattisgarh would continue advancing while preserving the values of mutual respect, affection and peaceful coexistence that form an important part of its social traditions.
Sai Performs Gau Puja at Math Temple, Feeds Cows Jaggery and Bananas
Following his visit to the Nar-Narayan Temple, the Chief Minister proceeded to the Math Temple in Shivrinarayan, where he performed Gau Puja in accordance with traditional religious customs.
Sai offered garlands and reverentially fed cows jaggery and bananas. His wife Kaushalya Sai also participated in the religious observances.
The Chief Minister described cow care and worship as important elements of India’s Sanatan traditions and acknowledged the longstanding relationship between cattle, agriculture and rural life in Chhattisgarh.
Sai said:
“Gau Seva is an integral part of our Sanatan culture and traditions. Cows have always occupied a special place in the rural lifestyle, agricultural practices and cultural life of Chhattisgarh.”
His observations reflected the continuing importance of traditional agricultural practices and religious customs in the state’s villages.
In Chhattisgarh’s rural communities, cattle have historically been closely associated with farming activities, household livelihoods and cultural observances.
The Chief Minister’s participation in Gau Puja reaffirmed the significance attached to these traditions in the state’s religious and social life.
Temples and Monasteries Connect Generations Through Values and Service
During his visit to the Math Temple, Sai interacted with saints and devotees and acknowledged the contribution of religious institutions to society.
He said that temples and monasteries have historically played an important role in preserving traditions, strengthening community relationships and transmitting cultural values across generations.
The Chief Minister observed:
“Our monasteries, temples and religious places are not merely centres of worship. For generations, they have connected society with values, service, harmony and spiritual consciousness.”
Sai emphasised that religious institutions have helped preserve the traditions of compassion, service and social harmony that remain relevant in contemporary society.
He also underlined the importance of maintaining these institutions as centres of cultural learning and spiritual guidance for younger generations.
Chief Minister and Wife Kaushalya Sai Offer Prayers at Jagannath Temple
The Chief Minister, accompanied by his wife Kaushalya Sai, also visited the Jagannath Temple in Shivrinarayan.
The couple offered prayers according to traditional rituals and sought the blessings of Lord Jagannath for the health, happiness and peaceful lives of the people of Chhattisgarh.
Sai said that Shivrinarayan’s religious traditions form an important part of the state’s distinctive cultural identity.
Situated near the confluence of the Mahanadi, Shivnath and Jonk rivers, the pilgrimage town has long been associated with religious devotion and cultural practices.
Its temples, traditional observances and spiritual associations continue to attract devotees and preserve the religious heritage of the region.
The Chief Minister highlighted the need to maintain the sanctity and cultural significance of such historic pilgrimage destinations.
Mata Shabari’s Devotion Reflects the Values of Faith and Social Harmony
Referring to the spiritual significance of Shivrinarayan, Sai recalled the town’s association with Mata Shabari and Lord Shri Ram.
He said that the traditions connected with Mata Shabari convey enduring messages of devotion, dedication and harmony.
The Chief Minister said:
“The very mention of Shivrinarayan reminds us of Mata Shabari’s unwavering devotion and her profound love for Lord Shri Ram. This sacred land conveys a message of devotion, dedication and social harmony.”
Sai described Shivrinarayan’s spiritual heritage as an important chapter in Chhattisgarh’s glorious history and popular religious traditions.
The Chief Minister’s remarks highlighted the enduring influence of the Ramayana tradition on the cultural and spiritual life of the state.
The religious narratives associated with Mata Shabari continue to inspire devotion and occupy a distinctive place in the cultural memory of the region.
Government Committed to Protecting Chhattisgarh’s Cultural Heritage: Sai
Chief Minister Sai reiterated the state government’s commitment to strengthening the identity of places of religious, cultural and historical significance.
He said that Chhattisgarh’s rich traditions represent the collective inheritance of its people and must be preserved for future generations.
The Chief Minister emphasised that younger generations should be encouraged to understand the historical and spiritual importance of the state’s religious centres.
Sai said:
“The state government is committed to further strengthening the identity of places of religious, cultural and historical importance and introducing our rich heritage to the younger generation. The culture and traditions of Chhattisgarh are our identity, and protecting them for future generations is our collective responsibility.”
His statement underscored the importance of safeguarding historic temples, religious institutions and cultural traditions while promoting awareness of their significance.
The Chief Minister’s visit to Shivrinarayan also highlighted the place of pilgrimage centres in the state’s broader cultural landscape.
Senior Public Representatives and Saints Attend the Occasion
Union Minister of State Tokhan Sahu, Chhattisgarh Finance Minister O. P. Choudhary, Member of Parliament Kamlesh Jangde and Rajeshri Mahant Ramsundar Das were among the dignitaries present during the Chief Minister’s visit.
Other public representatives, government officials, employees and a large number of devotees also attended the occasion.
The visit brought renewed attention to Shivrinarayan’s religious significance and its place in Chhattisgarh’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
Through his prayers and interactions, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai reiterated his wishes for a peaceful, prosperous and harmonious Chhattisgarh while emphasising the shared responsibility of protecting the state’s cultural inheritance.
