Chief Minister participates in Shri Maharudra Yagya and Shiv Purana Katha at Karra; announces construction of Mangal Bhawan and highlights plans to develop religious corridors and pilgrimage schemes
Balrampur-Ramanujganj/Raipur, August 26, 2026: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Wednesday performed Rudrabhishek and offered prayers to Lord Shiva at the ancient Baba Karmeshwar Dham in Karra village of Rajpur development block in Balrampur-Ramanujganj district. He prayed for the happiness, prosperity and continued progress of the people of the state.
The Chief Minister attended the Shri Maharudra Yagya and Shiv Purana Katha organised in Karra village. During the programme, he also announced the construction of a Mangal Bhawan in the village.
CM Performs Puja at Baba Karmeshwar Dham
After offering prayers at Baba Karmeshwar Dham, Chief Minister Sai addressed devotees and said that worship of Lord Shiva holds special significance during the holy month of Shravan.
He extended his greetings to the organisers, storyteller Acharya Divyanand Ji Maharaj and devotees participating in the religious programme.
The Chief Minister prayed that the blessings of Lord Shiva continue to remain upon Chhattisgarh and that every family in the state experiences peace, happiness and prosperity.
Mangal Bhawan Announced for Karra
Chief Minister Sai announced the construction of a Mangal Bhawan in Karra and said the state government would continue to give priority to development works in the area.
He said the government is committed to preserving the region’s religious and cultural heritage while simultaneously expanding basic facilities for local residents.
Major Religious Sites to be Connected Through Religious Corridors
CM Sai said Chhattisgarh has a rich tradition of religion, culture and faith. He highlighted the state’s association with Mata Kaushalya and Lord Shri Ram.
He said the state government is working towards connecting major Shakti Peethas through religious corridors. The initiative is expected to improve facilities for devotees, promote religious tourism and create new employment and livelihood opportunities at the local level.
50,000 Devotees Have Visited Ayodhya Under Ram Lalla Darshan Scheme
The Chief Minister said nearly 50,000 devotees from Chhattisgarh have so far visited Ayodhya and had darshan of Lord Shri Ram under the state’s Shri Ram Lalla Darshan Scheme.
He also highlighted the Teerth Darshan Scheme, launched with the objective of facilitating pilgrimage for senior citizens. Under the scheme, 19 major pilgrimage destinations across the country have been identified, and around 10,000 devotees have benefited so far.
CM Highlights Peace and Development in Bastar
Chief Minister Sai said significant progress has been made towards making Bastar free from Naxalism under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He said areas that remained affected by violence for decades are now witnessing a new phase of peace and development. Roads, education, healthcare, electricity, communication and other basic infrastructure are being expanded in remote areas.
The government, he said, is committed to ensuring that the benefits of development reach every family in the state’s remotest areas.
Baba Karmeshwar Dham: A Centre of Centuries-Old Faith
Baba Karmeshwar Dham in Karra village is regarded as an important centre of ancient religious faith in the region.
According to local belief, the Shiva Lingam at the temple is naturally manifested. Local traditions state that the Shivling emerged inside the hollow of a Sal tree around the 9th-10th century, after which worship of Lord Shiva has continued at the site.
The Shri Karmeshwar Mahadev Temple Renovation Committee is currently undertaking renovation work at the temple.
The shrine is also associated with several local traditions and beliefs that have been passed down through generations, making Baba Karmeshwar Dham an important part of the region’s religious and cultural identity.
Rudraksha Sapling Planted in Mother’s Name
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai planted a Rudraksha sapling in the name of his mother, Smt. Jasmni Devi Sai, at the temple premises under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam 3.0’ campaign.
He used the occasion to highlight the importance of environmental conservation and appealed to people to plant more trees and contribute towards protecting nature.
Culture and Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal also planted a Bel sapling at the temple premises. Other public representatives and officials participated in the plantation drive.
The programme was attended by Culture and Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal, Pathalgaon MLA Gomti Sai, IG Deepak Jha, Surguja Divisional Commissioner Narendra Dugga, Collector Chandan Sanjay Tripathi, Superintendent of Police Vaibhav Banker, public representatives, officials, prominent citizens and a large number of devotees.
