HM Shah to attend Samadhi Smriti Mahotsav of Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj in Chhattisgarh today
Tight security has been put in place for Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Chhattisgarh on Thursday, where he will attend the Samadhi Smriti Mahotsav of Jain saint Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj in Dongargarh and offer prayers at the Maa Bamleshwari temple.
HM Shah will arrive in Raipur from Delhi at 12:30 pm and proceed to Dongargarh in Rajnandgaon district by 12:55 pm. After participating in the religious ceremonies, he is scheduled to leave for Delhi from Raipur Airport at 3:45 pm.
Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj (October 10, 1946 – February 18, 2024) was a highly revered Digambara Jain monk known for his contributions to education and religious revival. He led an austere life, adhering to strict ascetic practices—never consuming milk, curd, green vegetables, ghee, or dry fruits, and drinking water only once a day. His diet consisted solely of dal and roti, and he traveled barefoot across the country.
Acharya Vidyasagar attained samadhi in Dongargarh on February 18, 2024, at the age of 77, after fasting for three days. Prior to this, on February 6, 2024, he nominated Muni Samaysagar as his successor. In his honor, the Chandragiri Trust has organized a grand festival from February 1 to February 6 to commemorate one year since his samadhi.
During the event, HM Shah will participate in the Siddhachakra Vidhan Vishwa Shanti Maha Yagya and later in the Vinayanjali ceremony at Chandragiri Tirtha, where he will pay tribute to the revered saint.
Following the program, at 2:50 pm, HM Shah will visit the Maa Bamleshwari temple, one of the most significant religious sites in Chhattisgarh, which attracts lakhs of devotees annually.
Security measures have been significantly strengthened for HM Shah’s visit, with the Dongargarh Police, District Administration, and other security agencies closely monitoring the arrangements. The SP and Collector are personally overseeing preparations, and special forces have been deployed at Chandragiri Tirtha and Maa Bamleshwari Temple. The district administration has also implemented measures to ensure cleanliness and smooth traffic management.
There is considerable excitement among local residents and devotees in Dongargarh regarding Amit Shah’s visit. The city has been specially decorated to welcome the Union Home Minister, and many hope his visit will bring attention to developmental issues in the region.
