*Modern facilities and spiritual ambience will redefine the pilgrim experience in Naimisharanya.”-Jaiveer Singh
TTT NEWS NETWORK
LUCKNOW | 28 JULY 2025
In a major initiative to transform the spiritual landscape of one of India’s most revered pilgrimage sites, the Naimisharanya Development Council has granted in-principle approval for 28 new tourism infrastructure projects with an estimated cost of Rs. 90 crore for the financial year 2025-26. Located in Uttar Pradesh’s Sitapur district, Naimisharanya holds deep significance in Vedic tradition, believed to be the site where 88,000 sages once assembled to hear the Mahabharata from Suta Maharishi. These development efforts aim to revive the site’s ancient glory while catering to the modern-day needs of pilgrims.
Informing about the initiative, Uttar Pradesh’s Minister of Tourism and Culture, Jaiveer Singh stated that the state government is committed to strengthening religious tourism across the region. The upcoming projects will provide high-quality infrastructure and spiritual amenities to make pilgrim journeys safer, smoother, and more meaningful. He emphasized that these efforts will also lead to increased tourist footfall and local economic growth.
He said, “Naimisharanya holds deep spiritual significance and continues to draw pilgrims from across the country, especially southern India, who come here in search of divine peace and Vedic wisdom. Honouring its timeless sanctity, we are committed to transforming Naimisharanya into a world-class pilgrimage destination equipped with modern infrastructure, enhanced aesthetics, and visitor-friendly amenities. Under the visionary leadership of our Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a cultural renaissance where our sacred sites are being revitalised with sensitivity, scale, and purpose. The projects approved for Naimisharanya reflect this commitment and will greatly enrich the spiritual journey of every pilgrim who visits this sacred land.”
Key projects include the construction of Vedic-themed ‘toran dwar’ (welcome gates) on the Lucknow-Sitapur highway near Rajghat and the development of corridor routes connecting major pilgrimage landmarks such as Lalita Devi Temple, Chakrateerth, Rajghat, and KalliwariChauraha. A modern Tourist Facilitation Centre will be built in Naimisharanya, and significant improvements will be made to all major intersections and public spaces within the town.
Among the notable projects are the strengthening and beautification of the drain that runs from Lalita Devi Temple to Chakrateerth, the transformation of a local dharmashala into a Pilgrim Interpretation Centre, and the upgradation of tourist facilities at the Badi ChhawaniAshram complex. The roads leading to key temples and heritage sites will be fitted with heritage-style solar lights, and multilingual signage will be installed throughout the district to improve navigation for visitors.
The spiritual core of Naimisharanya will be further enriched with the establishment of a ‘Vedaranyam’, a themed spiritual park designed to promote Vedic learning and meditation. Several important sites across Sitapur district, especially in rural and lesser-known areas, have also been included in this development blueprint. These include the Golababa Temple in Jihura New Basti, Brahmadev Dham in Udaipur Paschimi (Godlamau block), and the ancient Shiva temples in Pipri and Lokanapur villages, where surrounding infrastructure and basic facilities will be improved.
Statues of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in villages like Pipri and Lokanapur will be developed with surrounding civic infrastructure. Further, the development of Neelkanth Mahadev Temple on the banks of the Gomti River, Maa Sheetla Devi Temple in Biswan, and Moollabeeri Shiva Temple in Pisawan will enhance the district’s religious circuit. Other projects include the beautification and tourist development of Maharishi Valmiki Ashram in Kanvakheda, Jungle Nath Baba Temple in Devtapur, Maneshwar Mahadev Dham in Sidhauli, BrahmadevDevasthan in Ahivanpur, and Sabari Mata Temple in Hargao.
The ambitious plan also covers improvements at the Ram-Janaki Temple, nearby sacred sites, and Dev-Devashwar Ghat. Together, these 28 projects are set to significantly elevate the spiritual, cultural, and tourism potential of Naimisharanya and surrounding regions. With an investment of Rs. 90 crore, the Uttar Pradesh government is reimagining Sitapur district as a dynamic religious tourism hub while preserving its deep-rooted traditions.
These efforts reflect the government’s larger vision of positioning Uttar Pradesh as a global spiritual destination, one that combines heritage, hospitality, and infrastructure to create transformative pilgrim experiences.
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