Chandravati’s Ghat to Position Uttar Pradesh on Global Jain Tourism Map

Lucknow/Varanasi, March 22, 2026 Uttar Pradesh Tourism is developing a modern, eco-friendly three-floor ghat at Chandravati, a serene riverside village away from Kashi’s crowded ghats and believed to be the birthplace of the 8th Jain Tirthankara, Chandraprabhu. The 200-metre-long ghat, being built by UPPCL at a cost of ₹17.06 crore, is over 99% complete and will soon open, adding a new eco-friendly dimension to Varanasi with modern visitor facilities. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the guidance of Hon’ble CM Yogi, the project reflects the government’s commitment to promoting lesser-known spiritual destinations while ensuring sustainable development. With Varanasi recording over 17.30 crore tourists in 2025, such initiatives will help expand spiritual tourism beyond traditional centres. Chandravati, an important Jain pilgrimage site, attracts visitors from India and countries like the US, UK and Malaysia, and is set to gain greater global recognition. Providing further details, officials informed that the structural work of all three level promenade has been completed. The first and second levels are fully ready, while the third-level platform construction has also been completed by the department, but the remaining work of flooring and railing will be carried out by the Jain Shwetambar Tirth Society. The project holds special importance as it is being developed as a unique riverfront designed to protect the temple from riverbank erosion and prevent Ganga water from entering the temple premises. The ghat has been designed with a low-carbon footprint and is eco-friendly. Built using a GABION structure only. And, also, it is a permeable structure having no adverse effect on geo-hydrology. The design also includes well-planned steps leading down to the ghat, giving it a traditional and heritage look. Basic visitor facilities such as toilet blocks, portable changing rooms, proper signage and parking have been thoughtfully included. In addition, heritage lighting, stone benches for seating, stone lattice railings and landscaped green areas further enhance the overall experience while maintaining the cultural character of the site. Chandravati, located about 20 km from Varanasi, is a place of deep spiritual importance for followers of Jainism. It marks the birthplace and key life events of Chandraprabhu. The site temple is more than 500 years old, associated with the four Kalyanakas: Chyavana Kalyanaka, Janma Kalyanaka, Diksha Kalyanaka and Kevalajnana Kalyanaka of the Tirthankara Chandraprabhu. According to Jain texts, Chandraprabhu was born to King Mahasena and Queen Lakshmana Devi and attained Kevala Jnana under a Naga tree near the Ganga. Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Culture and Religious Affairs, Amrit Abhijat, said that the project reflects a strong commitment to preserving heritage while promoting sustainable development. He highlighted that special care has been taken to respect Jain traditions through eco-friendly construction methods, making it a model for future projects. He also noted that the development aligns with the department’s broader vision of strengthening Jain circuits across the state, aiming to connect key spiritual sites like Chandravati and promote them at both national and international levels.