Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to visit Chhattisgarh on Thursday to attend the Samadhi Smriti Mahotsav of revered Jain monk Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj in Dongargarh. As part of his visit, Shah will also offer prayers at the Maa Bamleshwari temple, a prominent religious site in the state.

Shah will arrive in Raipur from Delhi at 12:30 pm and proceed to Dongargarh in Rajnandgaon district by 12:55 pm. After participating in the religious ceremonies, he will return to Raipur and depart for Delhi at 3:45 pm.

To ensure a smooth visit, security has been significantly tightened. The Dongargarh Police, District Administration, and other security agencies are overseeing arrangements, with special forces deployed at key locations, including Chandragiri Tirtha and Maa Bamleshwari temple. The Superintendent of Police (SP) and the District Collector are personally supervising the security and logistical preparations.

Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj (October 10, 1946 – February 18, 2024) was one of the most influential Digambara Jain monks, known for his contributions to education and religious revival. He led an austere life, adhering to strict ascetic practices—never consuming milk, curd, ghee, green vegetables, or dry fruits, and drinking water only once a day. He survived on a minimal diet of dal and roti and traveled barefoot across India.

The revered saint attained samadhi in Dongargarh on February 18, 2024, at the age of 77, after observing a three-day fast. Before his passing, on February 6, 2024, he had nominated Muni Samaysagar as his successor.

In honor of Acharya Vidyasagar, the Chandragiri Trust organized a grand festival that began on February 1 and concludes today. As part of the event, Shah will participate in the Siddhachakra Vidhan Vishwa Shanti Maha Yagya and later take part in the Vinayanjali ceremony at Chandragiri Tirtha, where he will pay tribute to the saint.

–IANS