CM Vishnu Deo Sai Offers Navratri Prayers to Maa Bamleshwari
Synopsis
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai marked the second day of Navratri 2026 by offering prayers to Maa Bamleshwari of Dongargarh, invoking her blessings of peace, happiness, and prosperity for all residents of Chhattisgarh.
Key Takeaways
CM Vishnu Deo Sai posted Navratri greetings on October 12, 2026 , the second day of the festival.
He invoked Maa Bamleshwari , the presiding deity of Rajnandgaon , enshrined atop the hills of Dongargarh .
The CM wished 'joy, peace, prosperity, and happiness' for all people of Chhattisgarh .
The post was tagged #ShaktiVandan and #CGNavratri2026 , reflecting the state government's public observance of the festival.
The Bamleshwari temple at Dongargarh is one of Chhattisgarh's most visited Navratri pilgrimage destinations, drawing lakhs of devotees annually.
On the second day of Navratri, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai turned to the sacred hills of Dongargarh in reverence, invoking the blessings of Maa Bamleshwari — the presiding deity of Rajnandgaon — for peace, happiness, and prosperity across the state.
A Prayer from the Hills of Dongargarh
In his post shared on Monday, October 12, 2026, CM Sai offered his salutations to Maa Bamleshwari, whose temple stands atop the holy hills of Dongargarh. The message, rendered in Hindi, reads: 'Navratri ke dvitiya divas par Dongargarh ki pavan pahadiyon par virajman, Rajnandgaon ki adhishtatri Devi Maa Bamleshwari ke shricharanon mein sadar naman' — 'On the second day of Navratri, I humbly bow at the sacred feet of Maa Bamleshwari, enthroned on the holy hills of Dongargarh, the presiding deity of Rajnandgaon.'
The Chief Minister extended his heartfelt wishes that the goddess's grace remain with all residents of Chhattisgarh, bringing 'joy, peace, prosperity, and happiness' into their lives — a sentiment that resonates deeply during this nine-night festival of Shakti worship.
Dongargarh's Maa Bamleshwari: Faith at Altitude
The Bamleshwari temple at Dongargarh, perched roughly 1,600 feet above the surrounding plains in Rajnandgaon district, is among the most revered pilgrimage sites in Chhattisgarh. Lakhs of devotees climb its steps — or take the ropeway — every Navratri, making it one of the state's most significant religious gatherings. The deity is venerated as the adhishtatri, or guardian goddess, of the Rajnandgaon region.
Navratri — the nine-night festival dedicated to the goddess Durga in her many forms — carries particular cultural weight in Chhattisgarh, where Shakti traditions run deep. The festival draws pilgrims from across the state and beyond, and political leaders routinely mark each of its nine days with public devotional messages, reflecting the intertwining of faith and public life in the region.
The Chief Minister's message, tagged #ShaktiVandan and #CGNavratri2026, signals the state government's alignment with the spirit of the festival — a moment of collective aspiration, not partisan positioning.
Point of View
A strategy that proved electorally significant in the state. Dongargarh's temple, drawing lakhs of pilgrims each Navratri, is not merely a religious site — it is a cultural touchstone for Rajnandgaon district, which carries its own political weight. By marking each day of Navratri publicly, the CM reinforces governance through cultural continuity, signalling to the state's largely devout electorate that faith and administration are not separate domains. It is ceremonial politics, but ceremonial politics that lands.
NationPress
12 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Maa Bamleshwari and where is her temple located?
Maa Bamleshwari is the presiding deity of Rajnandgaon in Chhattisgarh. Her main temple is situated atop the hills of Dongargarh, approximately 1,600 feet above the surrounding plains, and is one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in the state.
Why did CM Vishnu Deo Sai post about Maa Bamleshwari on October 12?
October 12, 2026 marked the second day of the Navratri festival. CM Sai offered prayers and shared greetings for all Chhattisgarh residents, invoking the goddess's blessings for peace and prosperity during this nine-night festival of Shakti worship.
What is the significance of Navratri in Chhattisgarh?
Navratri holds deep cultural and religious significance in Chhattisgarh, where Shakti traditions are widely observed. The Dongargarh Bamleshwari temple becomes a major pilgrimage centre during Navratri, attracting lakhs of devotees from across the state and beyond.
What did CM Sai wish for the people of Chhattisgarh on Navratri?
CM Sai wished that Maa Bamleshwari's grace remain with all residents of Chhattisgarh, bringing joy, peace, prosperity, and happiness into their lives.
