Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel visits Bahucharaji Temple, stops at Mewad village
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Saturday, 29 August made an unscheduled halt at Mewad village in Mehsana district while returning to Gandhinagar, spending time with local rural youth over tea after offering prayers at the revered Bahucharaji Shakti Peeth. The impromptu stop underscored what officials described as Patel's 'simple and accessible' style of governance.
Temple Visit and Prayers
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Patel visited the Bahucharaji Shakti Peeth, a prominent pilgrimage centre in Mehsana district, and offered prayers to Maa Bahuchar. He performed prescribed rituals and worshipped the deity according to traditional rites.
The temple trust and local administration formally received the Chief Minister. After darshan, Patel reportedly prayed for the happiness, peace, and prosperity of the people of Gujarat, as well as for the state's continued development. He expressed reverence for the temple's sanctity and sought the blessings of Maa Adi Shakti for Gujarat's progress.
Accompanying Patel were District In-charge Minister Pravin Mali, MLA Sukhaji Thakor, and other officials, all of whom also offered prayers at the temple. Senior district officials present included District Collector Shalini Duhan, District Development Officer Pradipsinh Rathod, District Superintendent of Police Himanshu Solanki, and Resident Additional Collector Mayank Patel.
Unscheduled Stop at Mewad Village
The visit to Mewad came after Patel attended a separate event in Mehsana. On the return journey to Gandhinagar, he made a spontaneous stop at the village and engaged with young residents over tea. Officials noted the interaction as emblematic of his outreach approach with rural communities.
Backdrop: Temple Redevelopment Project
The visit is also significant in the context of the ongoing redevelopment of the Bahucharaji temple. Patel had laid the foundation stone for the first phase of reconstruction in August 2024, with the phase announced at a project cost of ₹76.51 crore. Saturday's visit marks his return to the site as redevelopment work progresses.
As the project advances, the temple is expected to emerge as an enhanced pilgrimage destination for devotees across Gujarat and beyond.