05-07-2025
U.P. launches temple renovation and tourism plan to preserve cultural heritage
The Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday (July 5, 2025) announced a temple renovation and tourism plan to preserve the State's cultural heritage. The initiative includes the rejuvenation of the sites believed to be the ancient ashrams of sages Bhrigu and Durvasa, along with the redevelopment of a prominent Jain temple.
'In a bid to preserve and promote Uttar Pradesh's rich religious and cultural heritage, the Yogi Adityanath-led government has rolled out an ambitious plan for large-scale renovation and tourism development of temples across the State. The initiative includes the rejuvenation of the ancient ashrams of sages Bhrigu and Durvasa, along with the redevelopment of a prominent Jain temple. With a special focus on eastern Uttar Pradesh, the Tourism Department has prepared a detailed roadmap to transform these sacred sites into vibrant centres of heritage tourism,' read a statement from the State government.
The proposed initiative includes beautification of the Udasin Math in Basantpur village, Chitragupt Temple at Bhrigu Ashram in Ballia district, Bhairav Baba sthal in Maharajganj, Durvasa Rishi Ashram in Phulpur Pawai in Azamgarh district, Shri Veera Baba Brahma Sthan in Duari village in Mau district and the Phoolmati Devi Temple in Kannauj district, among others.
The government added that it is focusing on bringing lesser-known ancient temples and pilgrimage sites onto the global tourism map, to add to the State's growth as a major religious tourism hub. In 2024, over 650 million tourists visited various destinations in Uttar Pradesh, including the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
'U.P. under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has made the beautification, restoration, and structural strengthening of religious sites a key government priority. These efforts are not only safeguarding Uttar Pradesh's cultural and spiritual heritage but are also promoting local employment, business, and the tourism service industry,' said the State government.
