Ancient Indri Dham to Get Fresh Lease of Life as UP Govt Sanctions ₹1.27 Crore Tourism Upgrade

Prayagraj | 5 Feb 2026 Even as Prayagraj remains a major attraction for pilgrims visiting the Sangam, the Uttar Pradesh government is now focusing on reviving its lesser-known spiritual landmarks. The state Tourism Department has approved a ₹1.27 crore development and beautification project for the ancient Indri Dham temple in the Phulpur area, aiming to preserve its religious value while improving basic facilities for devotees. Indri Dham holds deep roots in Hindu tradition, with references to Goddess Indri found in the Skanda Purana and Durga Saptashati. The temple sees a steady flow of devotees throughout the year, especially during Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri, when large gatherings take place. On the eighth day of Navratri, the deity is worshipped in her Mahagauri form, drawing devotees who consider the rituals spiritually powerful. Pilgrims visiting Prayagraj during Mahakumbh and Magh Mela 2026 also made special trips to the shrine. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said that reviving such pilgrimage centres is essential to showcasing Prayagraj’s wider religious identity. He noted that strengthening places like Indri Dham allows visitors to explore faith beyond the city’s most popular sites and helps build a richer spiritual circuit. According to him, balanced development can improve the devotee experience without disturbing the sanctity of ancient temples. Under the approved plan, ₹30 lakh has already been released as the first instalment, and the work will be carried out in phases. The project includes beautification of the temple premises, improved lighting, a redesigned entrance gate, shaded shelters, paved walkways, seating benches, clean toilets, drinking water facilities, dustbins, signage and mural art reflecting the temple’s spiritual heritage. Officials said the upgrades are meant to make visits easier for families, senior citizens and tourists. Located close to the Maharshi Durvasa Ashram, Indri Dham is also popularly known as ‘Anandi Maiya’ and is believed by locals to be a very ancient site where wishes are fulfilled. With Prayagraj recording massive tourist footfall over 69.14 crore visitors in 2025 alone the government believes such projects will help distribute crowds better while bringing forgotten heritage sites into the spotlight. By combining conservation with thoughtful development, the state aims to offer pilgrims a more meaningful and diverse spiritual journey across Prayagraj. Ancient Indri Dham in Prayagraj Set for Tourism Revival with ₹1.27 Crore Makeover The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to bring fresh attention to Indri Dham, one of Prayagraj’s ancient but lesser-known religious sites. The Tourism Department has approved a ₹1.27 crore project to develop and beautify the temple located in the Phulpur area. The aim is to protect its spiritual importance while making the place more comfortable and welcoming for devotees and visitors. Indri Dham is deeply connected to Hindu tradition, with mentions of Goddess Indri found in the Skanda Purana and Durga Saptashati. The temple attracts large crowds during Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri, especially on the eighth day when the goddess is worshipped in her Mahagauri form. During Mahakumbh and Magh Mela 2026 as well, many pilgrims made sure to visit the shrine along with other major religious spots in Prayagraj. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said that developing such sites is important to showcase Prayagraj’s wider religious heritage. He explained that strengthening lesser-known temples like Indri Dham helps visitors explore more spiritual destinations beyond the Sangam, while also preserving the city’s ancient identity. The project will be completed in phases, with ₹30 lakh already released in the first stage. Planned work includes beautification of the temple area, better lighting, a new entrance gate, covered resting spaces, clean pathways, benches, toilets, drinking water facilities, signage and wall art. Officials believe these improvements will help manage growing crowds and give Indri Dham a stronger place on Prayagraj’s tourism map.