Raipur: Sharda Dhaam, a revered religious and educational site nestled on the Chhattisgarh–Jharkhand border, has officially been included in Chhattisgarh’s list of identified tourist destinations. Acting on the instructions of Chief Minister CM Vishnu Deo Sai, the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board has issued a circular formalizing the decision, setting the stage for infrastructural development, tourism promotion, and increased visibility for this spiritually and naturally rich location.
Tourism Development to Get a Boost
With its new recognition, Sharda Dhaam will benefit from promotional campaigns and infrastructure funding from the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board. Facilities for tourists will be expanded, and a dedicated budget will now support its growth as a key religious and ecological tourism site. This move is expected to give Sharda Dhaam a new identity, both within and outside the state.
Sharda Dhaam: Where Faith Meets Education
More than just a religious site, Sharda Dhaam is also a unique center for educational empowerment. Dedicated to Vidyadayani Maa Saraswati, the temple premises host a special coaching center that provides free accommodation, meals, and education for underprivileged children from Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
Rajkumar Singh, Chairman of the Sharda Dhaam Committee, shared that all coaching-related expenses are met through contributions from devotees. “It’s not just a place of worship, but also a sanctuary of learning,” he noted.
A Jewel in Nature’s Lap
Located in Duldula block, approximately 30 km from Jashpur district headquarters, Sharda Dhaam is surrounded by dense forests and the melodious flow of the nearby Girma River. This natural setting adds to the spiritual tranquility of the site. The temple, modeled architecturally after Jharkhand’s famous Lachlagarh Hanuman Temple, has been entirely constructed through voluntary labor by devotees from both states.
Jashpur Emerging as a Tourism Hub
This recognition is part of a broader tourism revival strategy led by CM Vishnu Deo Sai, aimed at turning Jashpur into a green industrial and tourism hub.
Projects already in progress include-
- ₹10 crore sanctioned under Bharat Darshan Yojana for developing the Mayali Nature Camp.
- Recognition of Madheshwar Mahadev’s natural Shivling as the world’s largest by the Golden Book of World Records.
- Planned construction of a Laxman Jhula-style suspension bridge at Kotebiradham.
- Rapid development of other scenic spots like Desdekkha and Ranidah.
The goal, as outlined by Chief Minister Sai, is to boost local employment and sustainable livelihoods through eco-tourism and green industry initiatives.
