Chief Minister Participates in Shri Maharudra Yagya and Shiv Puran Katha at Village Karra
TFP Bureau, Raipur, August 26, 2026: Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai participated in the Shri Maharudra Yagya and Shiv Puran Katha at village Karra in Rajpur development block of Balrampur-Ramanujganj district on August 26. At the ancient Baba Karmeshwar Dham, he performed Rudrabhishek and offered prayers to Lord Shiva according to traditional rituals, praying for the happiness, prosperity and continued progress of Chhattisgarh.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Shri Sai announced the construction of a Mangal Bhavan in the village of Karra and said that the necessary development works in the region would be taken forward on priority.
Addressing the devotees, the Chief Minister described the organisation of the Shri Maharudra Yagya and Shiv Puran Katha on the sacred land of Karra as a matter of great fortune. Paying respects to storyteller Acharya Divyanand Ji Maharaj, he extended greetings to the organising committee and devotees. He said worship of Bhagwan Shiva holds special significance during the holy month of Shravan and prayed for peace and prosperity in every family.
*Religious Corridors to Connect Major Shakti Peethas
Chief Minister Shri Sai said Chhattisgarh has a rich spiritual and cultural heritage and a deep association with Prabhu Shri Ram as the birthplace of Mata Kaushalya and his maternal home. Ancient Shiva temples, Devi shrines and centres of folk faith across the state represent this enduring tradition.
He said the State Government is working to preserve and promote this heritage, including efforts to connect major Shakti Peethas through religious corridors. The initiative will improve facilities for devotees, promote religious tourism and generate local employment and livelihood opportunities.
*Around 50,000 Devotees Visit Ayodhya Under Ramlala Darshan Yojana
Highlighting Chhattisgarh’s deep emotional bond with Bhagwan Shri Ram, the Chief Minister said around 50,000 devotees from the state have visited Ayodhya under the Shri Ramlala Darshan Yojana.
He added that under the Teerth Darshan Yojana, 19 major pilgrimage destinations across the country have been identified, with around 10,000 devotees having benefited so far.
*Bastar Moving Towards Peace and Development
Chief Minister Shri Sai said significant progress has been made towards freeing Bastar from Naxalism under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Areas affected by violence for decades are now witnessing peace and development, with roads, education, healthcare, electricity and communication facilities expanding in remote regions.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that development reaches the last family in the remotest areas while preserving the religious and cultural heritage of regions such as Balrampur-Ramanujganj.
*Baba Karmeshwar Dham: A Centuries-Old Centre of Faith
Baba Karmeshwar Dham in Karra is an ancient centre of local faith. According to local tradition, the Shivling enshrined here is believed to have emerged naturally within the hollow of a Sal tree around the ninth or tenth century, and worship has continued at the site for generations.
The shrine is also associated with traditional beliefs related to rainfall. Local tradition holds that villagers once performed special prayers and rituals at the Shivling during periods of inadequate rainfall. These traditions have made Baba Karmeshwar Dham an important part of the region’s religious and cultural identity. The Shri Karmeshwar Mahadev Mandir Jirnodhar Samiti is currently undertaking renovation of the temple.
*Chief Minister Plants Rudraksha Sapling
Under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0’ campaign, Chief Minister Shri Sai planted a Rudraksha sapling in the name of his mother, Smt. Jasmani Devi Sai, on the Baba Karmeshwar Dham premises and appealed to people to contribute to environmental conservation through tree plantation.
Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal planted a Bel sapling, while other public representatives and officials also joined the plantation drive.
Culture and Tourism Minister Shri Rajesh Agrawal, Pathalgaon MLA Smt. Gomati Sai, IG Shri Deepak Jha, Surguja Divisional Commissioner Shri Narendra Dugga, Collector Smt. Chandan Sanjay Tripathi, SP Shri Vaibhav Banker, public representatives, distinguished citizens and a large number of devotees were present.
