A New Strength to Faith in Chhattisgarh: CM Vishnu Deo Sai Launches Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana

Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai inaugurated the Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana today by flagging off the first special pilgrimage train from Raipur Railway Station to Tirupati, Madurai, and Rameswaram. A total of 780 elderly devotees from Raipur and Balodabazar-Bhatapara districts embarked on this spiritual journey, fulfilling their long-cherished dream of pilgrimage.

Addressing the pilgrims, CM Sai expressed his happiness, stating, “The joy on your faces is my greatest satisfaction.” He highlighted the significance of the pilgrimage, mentioning that the devotees will visit Ram Setu in Rameswaram, the Jyotirlinga, Meenakshi Temple in Madurai, and Lord Balaji in Tirupati.

He also mentioned that under the Mukhyamantri Ramlala (Ayodhya Darshan) Yojana, over 22,000 devotees have already visited Shri Ramlala in Ayodhya. Additionally, special arrangements were made for Chhattisgarh pilgrims at the 144-year Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, ensuring their comfort.

The Mukhyamantri Teerth Darshan Yojana will continue regularly, with a budget allocation of ₹15 crore. The scheme includes free pilgrimages to Ujjain, Puri, Dwarka, Vaishno Devi, Mathura, Vrindavan, and other sacred sites.

Inclusion of Widows and Abandoned Women

CM Sai emphasized that widows and abandoned women are also eligible for this scheme, allowing them to experience these spiritual journeys. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of youth, farmers, women, and tribal communities.

More Than Just a Journey – A Cultural and Spiritual Union

Social Welfare Minister Smt. Laxmi Rajwade described the scheme as a symbol of Sanatan culture and devotion, ensuring that financially disadvantaged devotees can now visit sacred places. The package covers train travel, accommodation, meals, temple visits, security, and medical assistance, with tour escorts, police, and medical teams accompanying the pilgrims.

She also noted that the scheme, initially launched by former CM Dr. Raman Singh on December 4, 2012, benefited 2,46,983 pilgrims through 272 trips until June 2019. However, it was discontinued for five years by the previous government. The current administration has revived it, fulfilling the elderly’s long-standing dream of pilgrimage.

Dignitaries in Attendance

The event was attended by MLAs Shri Purandar Mishra, Shri Motilal Sahu, Shri Anuj Sharma, Social Welfare Commissioner Shri Bhuvanesh Yadav, Director Smt. Roktima Yadav, Raipur Collector Dr. Gaurav Singh, Municipal Commissioner Shri Vishwadeep, Raipur DRM Shri Dayanand, along with officials from the Social Welfare and Railway departments, and a large number of citizens.