"Relationship between Chhattisgarh and Prabhu Shri Ram is very deep": CM Vishnu Deo Sai calls his state "maternal home" to Lord Ram

Raipur (Chhattisgarh) [India], January 21 : A day ahead of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at Ayodhya, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said Lord Ram shares a deep association with Chhattisgarh as the tribal state is "maternal home" to Lord Ram and people consider him (Ram) as their nephew.
"The relationship between Chhattisgarh and Prabhu Shri Ram is very deep. Prabhu Shri Ram was born in Ayodhya; his mother Kaushalya was born in Chhattisgarh; hence, Chhattisgarh is the maternal place of Lord Shri Ram. The people of Chhattisgarh consider him their nephew. That is why in Chhattisgarh there is a tradition of touching the feet of the nephews; every maternal uncle considers his nephew equal to Ram."
Further, detailing Lord Ram's time in Chhattisgarh during his 14 years of exile, he said, "Out of the 14 years of exile, Lord Ram spent 10 years in the forests of Chhattisgarh. At that time, this area was called Dandakaranya. The story of Mata Shabari is also associated with Chhattisgarh. She belongs to the Shabar tribe and the tribe still resides in Chhattisgarh and Odisha."
When asked about whether his government will take any steps to publicise the relationship of Lord Ram with Chhattisgarh, he said, "As important as it is for us to publicise our relationship with Lord Shri Ram, it is more important to preserve our life values associated with Lord Shri Ram. We will do both of these things together," said the CM.
"We will preserve the memories of Ram in about two dozen places in Chhattisgarh through which Lord Shri Ram passed through during his exile. These places will be developed. The entire Ram-Van Paths will be developed. Apart from this, we are also working on the 1,000 km Shakti Peetha project. Under this project, Shakti Peethas in Chhattisgarh will be connected and beautified. Facilities will be developed for pilgrims and tourists," added the CM.
Further giving up a message from you on the celebration of Ram Lalla's Pran Pratistha, Vishnu Deo Sai said, "I have appealed to the people that on January 22nd, you all must decorate your homes with flowers and lamps. Those who are not able to reach Ayodhya, welcome Ram Lalla from wherever they are."
The Pran Pratishtha ceremony began on January 16, in the afternoon, starting from the Sarayu River. The arrival of the idol of Lord Rama in the temple complex took place on January 17. The Pran Pratishtha will be completed on Monday afternoon during the auspicious Abhijit Muhurat.
Earlier, on Friday, the idol of Ram Lalla, carved by renowned Mysuru sculptor Arun Yogiraj, was placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.
Covered with a veil, the first photo of the idol was revealed during the placement ceremony in the sanctum sanctorum on January 18.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will preside over the 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony, which will be officiated by a complement of priests chosen from across the country. A team of priests is to be led by Lakshami Kant Dixit.