Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai Attends Pran-Pratishtha Ceremony of Neelkantheshwar Mahadev Temple

Announcement made for construction of a community hall

Raipur, February 2026 : Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today attended the sacred Pran-Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony of Neelkantheshwar Mahadev Temple, located in Sirimgela village of the Duldula development block, during his visit to Jashpur district. Performing rituals and offering prayers as per tradition, he sought blessings from Lord Shiva for the happiness, prosperity, and well-being of all residents of Chhattisgarh. Describing the spiritual event—held a day before the holy festival of Mahashivratri—as a symbol of faith, devotion, and cultural pride, the Chief Minister highlighted its deep spiritual significance.

On the occasion, the Chief Minister announced the construction of a community hall in Sirimgela village, stating that it would provide a strong platform for social, cultural, and family events for local residents.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Sai extended heartfelt greetings to everyone on the eve of Mahashivratri. He said that being among devotees and local families in Sirimgela filled him with spiritual peace and joy. Speaking about the importance of devotion and faith, he noted that the state government is working to revive and strengthen Sanatan traditions through initiatives such as the Ayodhya Dham Darshan Scheme and the Chief Minister’s Pilgrimage Scheme, under which thousands of devotees are being facilitated on religious journeys. Following the ideals of Shravan Kumar, more than 42,000 pilgrims from the state have so far been enabled to have darshan of Shri Ram Lalla.

The Chief Minister said that after a wait of 500 years, the grand temple of Shri Ram Lalla has been completed in Ayodhya, and under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the flag now proudly flies atop the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. He remarked that the faith of Ram devotees remained unwavering for centuries, calling it a sacred yajna whose flame never dimmed.

Expressing his own sense of good fortune, the Chief Minister said that having darshan of Neelkantheshwar Mahadev was a deeply blessed experience. He noted that darshan of Neelkanth is considered highly auspicious, especially on Dussehra, and that following the Pran-Pratishtha, devotees would now be able to visit the temple regularly—something he described as a matter of pride for all. He also mentioned that Madheshwar Mahadev, believed by popular tradition to be Asia’s largest natural Shivling, is located in Jashpur. Emphasizing the importance of devotion in Sanatan culture, he said the state government respects and honors devotees, citing traditions such as the annual floral showers on Kanwariyas at Bhoramdeo Temple during the holy month of Shravan.

The Chief Minister further referred to Rajim Triveni Sangam, often called the Prayag of Chhattisgarh, where the grand Rajim Kumbh Kalp is currently underway, showcasing a unique confluence of faith and culture. He urged devotees to visit Lord Kuleshwar Nath Mahadev on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to preserving cultural and religious heritage, noting efforts to restore the prestige of Rajim Kumbh Kalp, promote the globally renowned Bastar Dussehra, and systematically develop the state’s five Shakti Peeths.

During the program, the Chief Minister also planted saplings in the temple परिसर, conveying a strong message of environmental protection and conservation. He said spirituality and nature conservation complement each other.

Concluding the ceremony, Chief Minister Sai expressed his heartfelt wish that during this sacred period of Mahashivratri, the blessings of Neelkantheshwar Mahadev remain upon everyone, bringing peace, prosperity, and new streams of development to the state, and that Chhattisgarh continues to move forward on the path of progress with spiritual consciousness and cultural richness.

Several dignitaries were present on the occasion, including Vice Chairperson of the Sarguja Tribal Development Authority and Pathalgaon MLA Gomti Sai, Mahasamund MLA Yogeshwar Raju Sinha, former Rajya Sabha MP Ranvijay Singh Judev, District Panchayat Vice President Shaurya Pratap Singh Judev, Municipal Vice President Yash Pratap Singh Judev, Janpad Panchayat President Sushila Sai, senior administrative and police officials, and members of the Mahadev Temple Committee, along with a large number of devotees.