Union Minister Attends Second Samadhi Memorial Mahotsav at Chandragiri Tirthkshetra, Dongargarh; Museum Foundation Laid, Commemorative Postal Covers and Silver Coin Released
Published on: January 27, 2026
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
Union Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday attended the Second Samadhi Memorial Mahotsav of Sant Shiromani Acharya Shri 108 Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj at Vidyasagaroday Samadhi Sthal, Chandragiri Tirthkshetra, Dongargarh. Upon arrival, the Union Minister offered prayers at the samadhi site and paid floral tributes.
On the occasion, Shri Chouhan released 210 commemorative postal covers dedicated to Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj and also unveiled a silver coin issued by the Government of India in his honour. He laid the foundation stone and performed bhoomi pujan for the proposed Acharya Vidyasagar Museum and participated in plantation activities at the campus.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Chouhan recalled Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj’s compassion-filled heart and benevolent blessings, saying that visiting Dongargarh made him feel spiritually enriched. He remarked that while the physical absence of Acharya Shri was deeply felt, his presence continued to resonate everywhere through his teachings and ideals.
The Union Minister said that while people celebrate birth, those who celebrate death through spiritual acceptance conquer mortality. Referring to Jain traditions, he highlighted the concept of samadhi as a pathway to liberation. He described Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj as “present yet beyond time, embodied yet detached, worldly yet divine,” adding that wherever the Acharya stayed for Chaturmas, the place transformed into a pilgrimage site.
Shri Chouhan noted that Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj’s words carried truth, vigour, and inspiration, and that Saraswati resided in his intellect. He authored several scholarly works in Hindi, Sanskrit, and Kannada, including the inspirational text Mook Maati. Describing him as a “walking pilgrimage,” the Minister said hundreds of saints and disciples received spiritual guidance under his tutelage.
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Urging citizens to adopt the Acharya’s teachings in daily life, Shri Chouhan said true valour lies in conquering oneself, while Mahavir is one who conquers others. He appealed for preserving Indian culture, promoting Swadeshi, respecting Hindi as the national language, and preventing the migration of Indian talent abroad. Highlighting Dongargarh’s spiritual significance, he said the town uniquely hosts Chandragiri Jain Tirth, Maa Bamleshwari Temple, and Pragya Giri Buddhist site, symbolising a confluence of three spiritual paths.
School Education Minister Shri Gajendra Yadav said attending the memorial programme was a privilege and added that even adopting a fraction of Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj’s ideals could make one’s life meaningful. He expressed confidence that the site would emerge as a major Jain pilgrimage centre in the coming years and praised ongoing efforts in service and education aligned with the Acharya’s vision.
The event was attended by MP Shri Santosh Pandey, Dongargaon MLA Shri Daleshwar Sahu, Shri Komal Singh Rajput, former MLA Shri Ramji Bharti, Shri Sanjay Badjatya, Shri Manish Jain, Shri Ashok Jain, public representatives, Jain community leaders, school children, and citizens.
On the occasion, Collector Shri Jitendra Yadav presented the Union Minister with a book on Chhattisgarh’s history, while Superintendent of Police Smt Ankita Sharma gifted a Chhattisgarh Tourism book. A symbolic display of the Mook Maati train initiated by Acharya Vidyasagar Ji Maharaj was also showcased. Students of Pratibhasthali Gyanodaya Vidyapeeth, Dongargarh presented cultural performances on the theme of Atmanirbhar Bharat – Ancient Glory. Several literary works, including illustrated spiritual publications and Lost Jain Tribes of Trikalinga, were also unveiled during the programme.
