The Chhattisgarh government has officially designated Sharda Dham, a popular religious and natural tourist spot located on the Chhattisgarh-Jharkhand border, as a tourism site. This decision, made at the behest of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, sees the Chhattisgarh Tourism Board including Sharda Dham in its roster of recognized tourist destinations. The Tourism Board has formalized this with the issuance of a circular.
This recognition is set to enhance Sharda Dham’s profile, opening avenues for promotional activities and financial support for developing tourist infrastructure.
The temple, dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, is not just a place of worship; it also extends support to underprivileged children by providing free coaching and hostel facilities. Sharda Dham committee chairman, Rajkumar Singh, explained that the institution, supported by the generosity of devotees, offers complimentary food, lodging, and coaching services to children from both Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
Located approximately 30 kilometers from the Jashpur district headquarters, within the Duldula block, Sharda Dham is nestled amidst lush forests and the gentle murmur of the Girma River. The temple of Goddess Saraswati was constructed through voluntary contributions, and its design mirrors that of the Lachlagarh Hanuman temple in Jharkhand.
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Jashpur is witnessing a surge in tourism development. Projects like the allocation of 10 crore rupees for the Mayali Nature Camp, the recognition of Madheshwar Mahadev as the largest natural Shivling globally, and the proposed construction of a bridge at Kotebiradham, inspired by the Lakshman Jhula, are key initiatives in putting the district firmly on the tourism map.