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Shivrinarayan Mela

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Nearest Airport

Swami Vivekanand Airport, Raipur

Bilasa Bai Kevtin Airport, Bilaspur

Nearest Railway Station

Bilaspur Railway Station

Nearest Airport

Swami Vivekanand Airport, Raipur

Bilasa Bai Kevtin Airport, Bilaspur

Shivrinarayan Mela

The Historic Shivrinarayan Mela of Chhattisgarh is a beautiful confluence of faith, tradition, and culture. The fair is generally organized every year in the month of January-February, from Magh Purnima to Mahashivratri, for approximately 15 days, in Shivrinarayan town of Janjgir-Champa district, Chhattisgarh.

 

Main Details of Shivrinarayan Mela

The history and mythological beliefs associated with this place are so deep that it is known as the “Gupt Prayag” of Chhattisgarh.

 

 1. The Legend of Shabari

 Mystery Behind the Name

The name “Shivrinarayan” is made up of two words — “Shabari” (Shivri) and “Narayan.” According to mythological beliefs, Mata Shabari had her ashram here during the Treta Yuga.

 

The Incident of the Tasted Berries

Lord Shri Ram, accompanied by Lakshman, arrived here while searching for his wife Sita. On his arrival, Mata Shabari lovingly offered sweet berries after tasting them to Lord Ram.

Pleased with her devotion, Lord Ram immortalized this place by adding the name of Shabari before his own name, giving it the name “Shivrinarayan.”

 

 2. Deep Connection with Jagannath Puri

The Original Jagannath Peeth

According to a very famous local belief, the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, which are currently worshipped in Puri, Odisha, were originally established here at Shivrinarayan in the form of “Neel Madhav.”

 

 Transfer of the Idols

When the King of Odisha had a dream, the idols of Neel Madhav were taken from here and established in Puri.

It is believed that even today, on Magh Purnima, the first day of the fair, Lord Jagannath invisibly visits Shivrinarayan.

There is also a special Vat Vriksha in the Jagannath Temple here, which is known as “Krishna Vat” or “Makhan Katori.” Its leaves are bowl-shaped.

 

 3. Historical and Architectural Significance

 Rule of the Haihaya Dynasty

Historically, the main Lakshman Narayan (or Narnarayan) Temple was constructed in the 11th century during the rule of the Haihaya dynasty kings.

 

Vaishnava Style

This temple is an outstanding example of ancient Vaishnava architectural art. The intricate carvings on its walls and ancient sculptures reflect the rich heritage of Indian history and craftsmanship.

The temple complex also houses the Keshav Narayan Temple and the Chandrachud Mahadev Temple, which is more than approximately 900 years old.

 

All Cultural Programmes

During the Shivrinarayan Mela, a grand cultural stage is organized every evening by the Department of Culture, Government of Chhattisgarh, and the local administration.

Well-known artists from the state present the folk culture of Chhattisgarh. The main cultural programmes are as follows:

 4.  Chhattisgarhi Folk Dances

  • Panthi Dance is an energetic dance based on the messages of Baba Guru Ghasidas, featuring impressive and astonishing acrobatic performances.

 

  • Karma and Sua Dance are traditional folk dances performed and sung by the women and tribal communities of Chhattisgarh.

 

  • Raut Nacha is a folk dance performed by the Yadav community with sticks, full of valour and rhythmic movements.

 2. Folk Music and Singing

Pandavani Singing

 

Stories from the Mahabharata are presented in the Chhattisgarhi (Pandwani) style and in the heroic tradition by artists belonging to the tradition of Teejan Bai and Punaram Nishad.

Bharthari and Chandaini Gonda

 

These are melodious folk singing programmes based on the renunciation story of King Bharthari and the famous love stories of Chhattisgarh (Chandaini & Gonda).

Jas Geet and Bhajans

 

Devotional programmes featuring Jas Geet groups continue until late at night, immersed in devotion to Mata Shabari and Lord Ram.

Modern Chhattisgarhi Cultural Evenings

 

Chhattisgarhi Star Night

Live music concerts featuring renowned singers and actors from Chhattisgarhi cinema (Chhollywood), such as Nitin Dubey, Sunil Soni, Bhupendra Sahu and other local folk artists, are organized.

Nacha & Gammat

Humorous plays and Folk comedy performances are staged in the Chhattisgarhi language.

 

4. Religious and Traditional Rituals

 

Mahanadi Aarti

During the fair, a grand Mahanadi Maha Aarti is organized every evening on the banks of the Triveni Sangam, in the style of Banaras. It is a sight worth witnessing.

Gathering of Saints and Sadhus

Discourses and bhajan-kirtan programmes by Naga Sadhus and saints who come from different parts of the country and abroad continue in the pandals.

Means of Transportation

Shivrinarayan (Janjgir-Champa) is very well connected by road. It can be easily reached from Raipur or Bilaspur.

By Road (Car/Bus)

 

From Raipur

The distance from Raipur to Shivrinarayan is approximately 129 km to 134 km. It takes around 3 hours by car or taxi.

Regular buses to Shivrinarayan are also available from Raipur, Bilaspur Bus Stand.

From Bilaspur

The distance from Bilaspur to Shivrinarayan is only 65 km. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach Shivrinarayan by road.

By Train

There is no railway station in Shivrinarayan.

The nearest major railway stations are Janjgir-Naila (Janjgir Naila) and Akaltara. Visitors can also travel to Bilaspur Junction.

After getting down at these railway stations, auto-rickshaws, taxis, or buses to Shivrinarayan are easily available.

By Air

The nearest airport is Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur, which is connected to major cities of the country.

Bilasa Bai Kevtin Airport in Bilaspur to Shivrinarayan is approximately 69 kilometers The journey typically takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes

Accommodation

Shivrinarayan is a sacred pilgrimage site, and therefore, good options for budget and general accommodation are available here.

Dharamshalas

 

There are several dharamshalas of local communities around the temples, where rooms or halls are available at very low rates.

Dharamshalas of private and local trusts are available for travellers along the Triveni Sangam and the main temple route.

Hotels and Lodges

Budget-friendly lodges and hotels are available in the town, where room rates range between ₹500 and ₹1,500 per night.

Suggestion: If you are visiting during the fair and require modern or premium hotels, such as 3-star or 4-star hotels, you should stay in Bilaspur (65 km) or Janjgir and plan a day trip to Shivrinarayan, returning in the evening.

During the fair, local dharamshalas are booked well in advance.


Mela Snan

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Historic Temple, Shivrinarayan

Shivarinarayan Right Side
Venue

Shivrinarayan, Chhattisgarh, India

Date & Time

01 to 15 February 2026, Magh Purnima

Entry

Free

Source

Chhattisgarh Tourism

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