Feb 6 || TC - Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Chhattisgarh on Thursday to attend the Samadhi Smriti Mahotsav of the revered Jain monk, Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj, in Dongargarh. He will also be visiting the Maa Bamleshwari temple for darshan during his trip.
Shah will arrive in Raipur from Delhi at 12:30 pm and proceed to Dongargarh in the Rajnandgaon district at 12:55 pm. After attending the religious ceremonies, he will head back to Delhi from Raipur Airport at 3:45 pm.
Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj, who passed away on February 18, 2024, was a prominent Digambara Jain monk known for his commitment to education and religious reforms. Born on October 10, 1946, he lived an austere life, adhering to strict ascetic practices such as fasting, limited food intake, and avoiding milk, curd, ghee, and dry fruits. He led a minimalist lifestyle, surviving on dal and roti, and traveled barefoot across the country.
On February 6, 2024, Acharya Vidyasagar named Muni Samaysagar as his successor. To commemorate his samadhi, the Chandragiri Trust has organized a grand festival that began on February 1, marking the first anniversary of his samadhi. The event will conclude today.
During the occasion, HM Shah will participate in the Siddhachakra Vidhan Vishwa Shanti Maha Yagya and the Vinayanjali ceremony at Chandragiri Tirtha, paying homage to the saint. Later, he will visit the Maa Bamleshwari temple for prayers at one of Chhattisgarh's most revered religious sites.
Security measures have been significantly heightened for Shah’s visit, with local police, district authorities, and other security agencies working in close coordination to manage the arrangements. Special forces have been deployed at Chandragiri Tirtha and the Maa Bamleshwari Temple. The local administration is also ensuring that cleanliness and traffic flow remain smooth during the visit.
Local residents and devotees in Dongargarh are excited about the visit, with the city being specially decorated for the occasion. Many people are hopeful that Shah’s visit will draw attention to the region's developmental needs.