Taking a bold step to revive Uttar Pradesh’s sacred geography and spiritual legacy, the Yogi Adityanath-led government has announced an ambitious and wide-ranging initiative focused on large-scale Mandir renovation and tourism development. With a special emphasis on Purvanchal (Eastern Uttar Pradesh), the plan aims to elevate lesser-known religious sites to the stature of iconic centres like Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura on the global religious tourism map.
This landmark campaign includes the rejuvenation of ancient ashrams of Maharishi Bhrigu (Ballia) and Rishi Durvasa (Azamgarh), revival of prominent Jain Mandirs, and the infrastructure-driven development of multiple forgotten or under-maintained spiritual sites spread across Ballia, Mau, Azamgarh, Kannauj, and Maharajganj.
In its detailed roadmap prepared by the Tourism Department, the government has identified key religious and culturally significant locations for comprehensive beautification, development, and promotion. These include:
- Chitragupta Mandir at Bhrigu Ashram, Ballia – A revered site associated with Sage Bhrigu, one of the Saptarishis, will undergo aesthetic and structural transformation. The plan includes spiritual landscaping, visitor facilities, and conservation efforts.
- Hanuman Mandir Complex, Tendua Patti Farsatar, Holpur (Ballia) – A local faith centre is slated for extensive development, including pathway construction, lighting, and accommodation facilities for pilgrims.
- Udasin Math, Basantpur (Ballia) – The centuries-old math will see infrastructure strengthening, cultural preservation, and integration into the religious tourism circuit.
- Bhairav Baba Sthal, Maharajganj (Azamgarh) – A mystic site of tantric and Shaivite significance, to be developed into a spiritual retreat zone.
- Durvasa Rishi Ashram, Phulpur Pawai (Azamgarh) – A powerful nod to the memory of the fiery Rishi Durvasa, this ashram will be developed with meditation centres and eco-tourism elements.
- Shri Veera Baba Brahma Sthan, Duari Village (Mau) – This local pilgrimage centre will be beautified with better access, prayer halls, and sanitation.
- Ram Janaki Mandir, Mishrapur (Azamgarh) – A key site of devotion to Lord Ram and Sita, this Mandir will receive a complete facelift and promotion under religious circuits.
- Phoolmati Devi Mandir, Sadar (Kannauj) – Recognised for its deep-rooted local reverence, the Mandir will be restored and beautified to draw wider pilgrim participation.
- Saint Paramhans Baba’s Sites – Dhannipur, Singhpur, and Bansgaon (Azamgarh) – Sacred locations associated with the revered saint will be conserved and turned into spiritual heritage parks.
While Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Mathura are undergoing extensive redevelopment, this new plan broadens the spiritual revival to include forgotten or ignored tirthas, many of which have suffered decades of neglect or encroachment. The Yogi government’s approach signals a bottom-up cultural revival, restoring sacred spaces that have shaped the region’s dharmic identity for millennia.
A government spokesperson said, “This is not just a beautification project — this is a resurrection of forgotten Bharat. We are reclaiming our sacred sites from decay and bringing them back to life for both devotees and future generations.”
The large-scale plan is backed by policy initiatives such as the Homestay Policy-2025, encouraging locals to open their homes to tourists near spiritual sites, thereby promoting rural tourism and grassroots economic empowerment. Additionally, the formation of a dedicated board for the welfare of Mandir priests, and new schemes for restoration of old Mandirs, mark a comprehensive effort to systematise Mandir upkeep and dharmic infrastructure development.
In 2024 alone, over 65 crore tourists visited destinations in Uttar Pradesh — a record-breaking figure highlighting the impact of these targeted tourism and spiritual infrastructure campaigns.
The Mandir restoration drive is expected to have multi-dimensional impacts:
- Revival of traditional artisan and sculpture communities
- Boost to local employment in tourism, transport, and hospitality sectors
- Preservation of oral and folk traditions associated with Mandirs
- Educational and research opportunities in Vedic, Jain, and yogic studies
- Spiritual tourism circuits that balance pilgrimage with rural development
CM Yogi Adityanath has often reiterated his vision of Uttar Pradesh as the cultural capital of Bharat, and this plan is a testament to that commitment.
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