Champaran
is located at a distance of about 60 km from Raipur. It was earlier known as Champajhar.
The village of Champaran has religious significance as
the birthplace of Saint Vallabhacharya, the founder and reformer of the Vallabh
sect. There is also a temple in his honour. This temple is very popular with
the Gujarati populace and there are also two dharamshalas in this temple for the devotees. This often serves as
accommodation for many a visitor.
The
temple of Champakeshwara Mahadeva is an added
attraction at Champaran. It is worth a visit.
The
greatest attraction however remains the annual fair, which is held between the
months of January and February every year. The birth anniversary of Saint
Vallabhacharya is also celebrated with great pomp and show. Many believers
visit the temple during this time to pay their homage to the revered soul.