Lucknow. Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has approved the ambitious plan for integrated tourism development of Shringi Rishi Ashram of Parikshitgarh in Meerut district under the Mahabharata Circuit. For this, the state government has sanctioned an amount of Rs 2 crore for this project for the financial year 2025-26.
Regarding Shringi Rishi Ashram, it is believed that Kaliyuga started from here. Many major events of the Mahabharata period are considered to be related to this area. This place is very important from historical and religious point of view. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said that the statues of Rishi Shringi and Rishi Shamik are installed at this ancient site of Meerut, which are the center of special attraction among the tourists. The footprints on the Yagyashala located in the Ashram complex connect visitors with history and faith.
He said that “Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is doing all-round development of the religious places of the state by connecting them with modern facilities. The development of Shringi Rishi Ashram is a big step in this direction.” He told that apart from Shringi Rishi Ashram in Meerut district, there are religious places like Maa Chandi Devi Temple located in Nauchandi complex, Bileshwar Nath Temple (Cantt), Baba Aughadnath Temple, Hastinapur, Gandhari Sarovar, Gopeshwar Temple and Katyayani Devi Temple, where a large number of devotees and tourists come every year.
Jaiveer Singh said that “the development of the Mahabharata Circuit will not only preserve the cultural heritage but will also establish Meerut as a major religious-tourism center of western Uttar Pradesh.” The number of tourists visiting Meerut in the year 2024 was 3778066, whereas from January to June of the year 2025 this number was 1060531. Large number of tourist arrivals have boosted the local economy and increased employment opportunities.