Sri Swamiji in Chattisgarh, Jagdalpur, 23 - 27 Dec 2006
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Maiden Visit to Chhattisgarh State
Jagdalpur – The land of Goddess Danteswari
Jagdalpur is a dusty mining town; located amidst lush green forests of Chhattisgadh State (East Central Province of India). Few devotees from this town have been requesting the visit of Sri Swamiji persistently since many years. His Holiness Sri Swamiji has granted their wish and combined his visit to Bhadrachalam with Chhattisgadh (Jagdalpur)Visit.
History of this place:
This state was previously a part of Madhya Pradesh. As a region with 36 Forts, this part was known as Chhattisgadh for many centuries, before attaining statehood. (Fiercely independent Chieftains had constructed their impregnable forts atop hills and dense forests). Blessed with ample mineral reserves, water sources and Timber, this region is gifted with many rich facets. Unfortunately militant infestation coupled with high levels of illiteracy among local tribes and infrastructural deficits were impediments for progress. Before the advent of British rule, Kakateeya dynasty ruled the region and consecrated their family Deity Mother Goddess here. This region was also known as Dantewada; named after Goddess Danteswari. (Legend says that the Teeth of Goddess Sati had fallen in this region, making this place one of the Sakti Peethas.)
Sri Swamiji departed at Bhadrachalam on 23rd December 2006. Traversing thru the wretched stretch cris scrossing Dandakaaranya Forests (thru Konta and Sukma), He arrived in Jagdalpur at 5.30 PM. Sri Kandikuppa Syamala Rao and family were the hosts of this program.
On 24th December 2006 Sunday, Sri Swamiji visited the historic Stalactite & Stalagmite Caves called Kailas Gufa, in Kanger Valley Forest. Though the trek was tiresome, Sri Swamiji was impressed by the formation of the amazing Stalactite formations. Later, He visited the famed Tirathgadh Water Falls.
In the evening, a reception was hosted by the Town Municipality in SyamaPrasad Mukherji Town Hall. Mayor Smt. Gita Mall and Chairman Sri Yogendra Pandey welcomed Sri Swamiji. Tribal Folk artists, adorning traditional attire have played drums of Bastar to welcome Sri Swamiji.
On 25th December 2006, Maha Ganapati Havan, Srichakra Puja were conducted at Ayush Mahavar Bhavan. Hundreds of devotees have attended the program. In the evening, longstanding devotee of Sri Swamiji, Sri Giridhar Gamang (Member of Parliament from neighbouring Orissa) presented a cultural program called “Ya Devi Sarva Bhuteshu”. This included a Odissi Dance Recital by Sri Saswat and Ms.Rashmi of Bhubaneswar. Sri Giridhar Ji has provided percussion support to the program. Koraput MLA Sri Tara Prasad Bahinipati has attended the program. Sri Swamiji sung few Hindi Bhajans to the delight of Jagdalpur Devotees.
On 26th December 2006, His Holiness has visited Sri Venkateswara Temple, built by Andhra Association of Jagdalpur enroute to Chitrakot water falls. Legend says that Sri Rama (in Treta Yuga) stayed at this picturesque place for few years in His Vanavasa. Indravati River, a tributary of River Godavari falls from a height to form a scenic water fall, which is also called the Niagara of the east. In the noon, His Holiness visited the farm house of Sri Syamala Rao at Kulgaon Village and blessed the tribal community of the area. Food, Blankets, Note Books and pens were distributed to the poor on this occasion.
In the evening, devotees have sought Sri Swamiji’s blessings to start a Satsang and Ashrama (branch) of Sri Swamiji in the area.
On 27th December 2006, Pujya Swamiji departed from Jagdalpur at 6.30 AM and visited the famous Jagannath Mandir of Koraput. This beautiful temple, situated atop a hillock is said to be the original abode of Lord Jagannath, before He moved to Puri (the world famous pilgrimage centre.) Sri Swamiji was fascinated by the temple complex, in which replicas of all the major temples of India and Orissa are displayed in two separate Halls.
Briefly halting to Bless the devotees at Salur (Vijayanagaram District, AP), Vijayanagaram and Visakhapatnam, His Holiness reached Vijayawada at midnight on 27th December 2006.
