Raipur. Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai today participated in the Sri Krishna Janmashtami Maha Mahotsav organised at the Sri Sri Radha Rasbihari Ji Temple of ISKCON Raipur located at Tatibandh in the capital Raipur. Amidst the devotional atmosphere, Chief Minister Sai had darshan of Lord Sri Krishna and Radharani, performed rituals like worship and conch consecration and wished for happiness, prosperity, well-being and a happy life for the people of the state.

Chief Minister Sai, while extending his greetings to the people of the state and the devotees present on the auspicious occasion of Shri Krishna Janmashtami, said that Lord Krishna's entire life inspires humanity to follow the path of righteousness, duty, and public welfare. The message of Karma Yoga, imparted by Lord Krishna through the Bhagavad Gita, still guides humanity to move forward resolutely on the path of duty amidst life's challenges.

Chief Minister Sai said that Janmashtami is not only a celebration of the appearance of Lord Krishna, but also an opportunity to embrace his philosophy and ideals. Through his life, Lord Krishna preached the importance of standing against injustice, protecting dharma, and standing with the weaker sections of society. His ideals have inspired Indian society for ages.

On this occasion, the temple premises reverberated with the chants of "Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare." Chief Minister Sai also joined the devotees in chanting the Hare Krishna mantra and received the blessings of Vrindavan Biharilal on his appearance. The enthusiasm and devotion of the large number of devotees present at the temple filled the entire atmosphere with Krishna's presence.

Religious heritage of Chhattisgarh is our priceless heritage

Chief Minister Sai said that the land of Chhattisgarh has been a sacred land of religion, spirituality, and culture since ancient times. It is the maternal home of Mother Kaushalya and the maternal home of Lord Shri Ram. Our rich cultural heritage is alive in our villages, towns, temples, pilgrimage sites, and folk traditions. Preserving and promoting this glorious religious and cultural identity, and connecting the new generation to their roots, is a priority of the state government.

He said that Chhattisgarh is home to renowned Shiva shrines like Bhoramdev, Gandeshwar Mahadev, Madheshwar Mahadev, and Kuleshwar Mahadev, while Shaktipeeths and faith centers like Maa Bamleshwari, Maa Mahamaya of Ratanpur, Mata Danteshwari, and Maa Chandrahasini enrich the state's spiritual identity. The state government is continuously working to develop better facilities for devotees at these religious sites and give them a grand look.

Chief Minister Shri Sai said that the Bhoramdev Temple area, of historical and religious importance, is being developed under the PRASAD scheme at a cost of approximately 150 crore rupees. This will not only boost religious tourism but also create new employment and livelihood opportunities locally.

Efforts to provide every devotee with the opportunity to visit the pilgrimage site

Chief Minister Sai said that faith is a great strength of our society. The state government is implementing various schemes to ensure that no devotee is deprived of their desire to visit a holy place due to financial or other reasons.

He said that after the installation of Lord Ram Lalla in the grand Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the people of Chhattisgarh are extremely enthusiastic about seeing their idol. Through the state government's Shri Ram Lalla Darshan Yojana, devotees from various regions of the state are being taken on pilgrimages to Ayodhya Dham. So far, more than 50,000 devotees have visited Lord Shri Ram Lalla through this scheme.

Chief Minister Sai said that similarly, under the Chief Minister's Pilgrimage Darshan Scheme, senior citizens of the state are being provided the opportunity to visit major pilgrimage sites in the country. It is a matter of satisfaction for the government to see their desire for pilgrimage fulfilled at this stage of their lives.

Chief Minister Sai stated that the development of religious and cultural tourism not only preserves our heritage but also strengthens the local economy. Expanding facilities at religious sites increases tourism and creates new employment and income opportunities for local youth, self-help groups, small businesses, and artisans. The government is striving to ensure that Chhattisgarh's major centers of faith establish their unique identity at the national level.

The grand festival is being celebrated with devotion and gaiety.

It is noteworthy that the Sri Krishna Janmashtami Maha Mahotsav is being organized from September 3rd to 5th to mark the 26th anniversary of ISKCON Raipur. During the festival, worship of Lord Krishna, bhajans and kirtans, and various religious rituals are being organized. Large numbers of devotees are participating in the festival to receive the darshan and blessings of Lord Krishna and Radharani.

On this occasion, Revenue Minister Tankaram Verma, MLA Purandar Mishra, officials of ISKCON Raipur, saints and a large number of devotees were present.