Five Shaktipeeths to be developed on the lines of Char Dham circuit; government expands pilgrimage schemes to promote religious and spiritual tourism
TFP Bureau, Bhilai, August 23, 2026: Chhattisgarh’s rich tradition of Shiva and Shakti worship is an invaluable part of its cultural and spiritual heritage, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said on Sunday, asserting that Lord Mahadev is revered in various forms across every part of the state.
Sai, accompanied by his wife Kaushalya Devi Sai, attended the concluding day of the seven-day Shiv Mahapuran Katha held near Jayanti Stadium in Bhilai Nagar. He performed the ceremonial worship of the Vyaspeeth and offered prayers for the peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of Chhattisgarh.
Addressing a large gathering of devotees, the Chief Minister said Bhilai, known as the Steel City of Chhattisgarh and associated with the maternal heritage of Lord Shri Ram, had witnessed a continuous atmosphere of devotion over the past seven days.
He said thousands of devotees had the opportunity to connect with religion, spirituality and Sanatan traditions through the Shiv Mahapuran Katha.
Ancient Shiva Temples Reflect Chhattisgarh’s Spiritual Heritage
Sai said Chhattisgarh has a centuries-old tradition of worshipping Lord Shiva and Shakti. He cited prominent Shiva temples including Hatkeshwar Mahadev in Raipur, Bhoramdev in Kabirdham, Kuleshwar Mahadev in Rajim, Champeshwar Mahadev in Champaran, Bhuteshwar Mahadev in Gariaband, Gandheshwar Mahadev in Sirpur and Madheshwar Mahadev in Jashpur as important centres of faith and spiritual heritage.
He said the blessings of Lord Mahadev are deeply associated with the state and expressed confidence that Chhattisgarh would continue to progress towards prosperity and well-being.
Five Shaktipeeths to be Developed on Char Dham Model
The Chief Minister said the state is also home to several important manifestations of Aadishakti and the government is taking steps to preserve and systematically develop its religious heritage.
He said five prominent Shaktipeeths—Kudargarhi Mata in Surajpur, Maa Chandrahasini in Chandrapur, Maa Mahamaya in Ratanpur, Maa Bamleshwari in Dongargarh and Maa Danteshwari in Dantewada—are proposed to be developed along the lines of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit.
The initiative, he said, would improve facilities for devotees while giving a fresh impetus to religious and spiritual tourism in Chhattisgarh.
More Than 50,000 Devotees Visit Ayodhya Dham
Sai said the state government is working to provide more people with opportunities to visit major religious destinations across the country.
Under the Mukhyamantri Tirth Darshan Yojana, eligible devotees are being provided opportunities to visit 19 major pilgrimage destinations.
He said more than 50,000 devotees from Chhattisgarh had already visited Ayodhya Dham under the Shri Ramlala Ayodhya Dham Darshan Yojana.
CM Welcomes Pandit Pradeep Mishra
Welcoming Shiv Mahapuran narrator Pandit Pradeep Mishra, Sai said the religious discourse was helping spread the message of Lord Shiva’s glory, Sanatan traditions and spiritual values among people across the country and abroad.
He noted that the Shiv Mahapuran Katha had been organised in Bhilai for the third consecutive time, reflecting the deep religious faith of local devotees.
On behalf of the people of Chhattisgarh, the Chief Minister welcomed and felicitated Pandit Pradeep Mishra and congratulated the organising committee, volunteers and devotees for successfully conducting the seven-day religious event.
Vaishali Nagar MLA Rikesh Sen, Divisional Commissioner Satyanarayan Rathore, Inspector General of Police Abhishek Shandilya, Collector Abhijit Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Vijay Agrawal, organising committee member Daya Singh, other committee office-bearers, officials from various departments and a large number of devotees attended the programme.
