CM Vishnu Deo Sai Offers Prayers to Maa Danteshwari on Navratri

Key Takeaways

CM Vishnu Deo Sai posted his Navratri greetings on Sunday, October 11, 2026 , the first day of Shardiya Navratri .

He paid homage to Maa Danteshwari , describing her shrine as a symbol of faith, devotion, and Bastar's cultural traditions.

The Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas and a major pilgrimage centre of Chhattisgarh.

CM Sai prayed for the goddess's blessings to remain with all residents of Chhattisgarh.

Navratri carries deep significance in Chhattisgarh, intertwining tribal and mainstream Hindu traditions.

On the first day of Shardiya Navratri 2026, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai invoked the blessings of Maa Danteshwari — the presiding deity of Bastar — describing her sacred shrine as a symbol of faith, devotion, and the region's rich cultural heritage.

In his post on Sunday, October 11, the Chief Minister offered koti-koti pranam (countless salutations) at the feet of the goddess and prayed that her blessings remain with all the people of Chhattisgarh. 'The sacred abode of Maa Danteshwari, the presiding deity of Bastar, is a symbol of faith, devotion, and rich cultural traditions,' he wrote.

Maa Danteshwari and the Soul of Bastar

The Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada, Bastar is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas venerated across the Indian subcontinent, drawing pilgrims from across Chhattisgarh and beyond. The goddess is considered the divine protector of the Bastar region and its tribal communities, with the temple serving as a living centre of indigenous cultural and spiritual life for centuries.

Navratri — celebrated twice a year, with Shardiya Navratri falling in the autumn month of Ashwin — holds particular significance in Chhattisgarh, where goddess worship is woven deeply into the state's tribal and mainstream Hindu traditions alike.

A Ceremonial Message Rooted in Regional Identity

For a state whose southern belt is synonymous with Bastar's forests, tribal culture, and long-running security challenges, invocations to Maa Danteshwari carry a resonance that goes beyond the ceremonial. The deity represents a shared cultural anchor for communities across the region. CM Sai's message on the festival's opening day signals both personal piety and an acknowledgement of that shared heritage.

Point of View

Invoking Bastar's presiding deity on a major festival reinforces grassroots connect with tribal and Hindu constituencies simultaneously. The Danteshwari shrine sits at the confluence of indigenous Bastar culture and mainstream Hinduism — a duality the ruling party has consistently sought to bridge. Such messaging also signals continuity of governance in a region historically associated with conflict and instability, framing the administration as a steward of Bastar's civilisational heritage.

NationPress

11 Oct 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Maa Danteshwari and why is she significant?

Maa Danteshwari is the presiding deity of the Bastar region in Chhattisgarh. Her temple in Dantewada is one of the 52 Shakti Peethas and a major centre of Hindu and tribal pilgrimage in central India.

What did CM Vishnu Deo Sai say on Navratri 2026?

CM Sai described the Danteshwari shrine as a symbol of faith, devotion, and rich cultural traditions, offered countless salutations to the goddess, and prayed for her blessings to remain upon all Chhattisgarh residents.

When is Shardiya Navratri 2026?

Shardiya Navratri 2026 began on Sunday, October 11, 2026. It is the autumn Navratri celebrated in the Hindu month of Ashwin.

Where is the Danteshwari Temple located?

The Danteshwari Temple is located in Dantewada, in the Bastar division of Chhattisgarh, India.

Is the Danteshwari Temple one of the Shakti Peethas?

Yes, the Danteshwari Temple in Dantewada is counted among the 52 Shakti Peethas — sacred shrines of the goddess Shakti venerated across the Indian subcontinent.