The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Chhattisgarh has approved a new initiative to facilitate pilgrimages to the upcoming Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya. Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai announced the annual free train travel scheme, fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s campaign promise from the 2023 assembly elections.
Eligibility and Selection:
- Open to individuals aged 18-75 who are medically fit.
- Priority in the initial phase given to those above 55 years old.
- Selection process managed by committees formed under district collectors.
Trip Details:
- Around 20,000 pilgrims transported annually by train.
- Boarding stations: Raipur, Durg, Raigarh, and Ambikapur.
- 900-km journey with a stopover at Varanasi for temple visit and Ganga Aarti.
- Weekly special train dedicated to the scheme.
- MoU signed with IRCTC for smooth implementation.
Dry Day and Spiritual Significance:
- To mark the temple’s consecration on January 22, the entire state will observe a dry day.
- Chhattisgarh considered Lord Ram’s “nanihal” (maternal grandparents’ place) due to Mata Kaushalya’s birthplace in Chandkhuri village.
- Previous Congress government renovated the historical Mata Kaushalya temple there.
This initiative reflects the BJP government’s emphasis on Hindu traditions and its aim to connect Chhattisgarh with the upcoming major religious event in Ayodhya. The free travel scheme and dry day declaration are likely to resonate with a significant portion of the state’s population, further solidifying the party’s image as a champion of Hindu values.
Also read : https://rammandirlive.in/mahakaleshwar-temple-a-divine-journey-through-time-and-faith/
Mahakaleshwar Temple: A Divine Journey Through Time and Faith