Champaran, Chhattisgarh


Champaran, formerly known as Champajhar, is a village in the Raipur District in the state of Chhattisgarh, India, which lies about 60 km from the state capital of Raipur via Arang and 30 Km from Mahasamund Via Bamhani, Tila.
The village is identified with Champaranya and therefore has religious significance as the birthplace of the Saint Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya, the reformer and founder of the Vallabh sect also known as Pushtimarg. A temple has been constructed in his honour. Near this is a temple of Champakeshwara Mahadeva. There are two Baithaks of Vallabhacharya's Chaurasi Bethak here.

Attractions

There are two temples dedicated to Shri Mahaprabhuji in Champaran. The first one is known as Prakatya Baithakji Mandir, where seva is performed by HDH Param Pujya Goswami 108 Shri Dwarkeshlalji Maharajshri and HDH Param Pujya Goswami 108 Shri Purshottamlalji Maharajshri. The second Baithakji is Mool Prakatya that is normally known as Chhatti Baithak. In this temple seva is done by Goswami shri Vallabhlalji and Shri Raghunathlalji of 5th house of Kamvan. Apart from this there is a Haveli temple dedicated to Shree Girirajji and Shree Balkrishnalalji. A small stream of Mahanadi River flows near the temple which is believed to be from Yamuna river and worshipped. Mahaprabhuji's Prakatya Utsav is celebrated every year on eleventh day of Baisakh and many of followers of the sect gather at the temple to pay homage. The Annual Fair of Champaran is held with great festivities in the month of Magh every year. Large number of Pushtimargiya Vaishnavs visit Champaran every year.

Transport

Champaran is accessible from Raipur both via Arang. From the junction of Arang-Rajim Road at the village of Jonda, there is a paved road to Champaran. Buses are available from Raipur and Arang. Nearest Railway Station Is Mahasamund Railway Station