Yogi government’s major gift: Lodheshwar Mahadev Dham to be revamped on the lines of Kashi at a cost of ₹48.79 crore

Barabanki’s Lodheshwar Mahadev to become a hi-tech pilgrimage destination, devotees to get world-class facilities

Mega project to be completed by October next year; covered corridor, command centre and medical facility centre to be built

CM Yogi’s initiative gives fresh impetus to tourism development at Lodheshwar Dham

Barabanki, July 2026 : The ancient Lodheshwar Mahadev Temple in the district is set to soon acquire a grand appearance similar to Kashi. Under an integrated tourism development project worth approximately Rs 48.79 crore, approved by the Tourism Department on the initiative of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the expansion of modern facilities in the temple premises is progressing rapidly. The project will not only make this centre of religious faith more accessible but will also develop a hi-tech visitor facility complex for tourists and devotees. Along with this, a covered corridor will also become a major attraction. The Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the project on July 20.

Lodheshwar Mahadev Dham is an important religious centre in Barabanki. With the expansion of modern facilities, devotees will receive comfortable accommodation, security, medical facilities and better arrangements. Facilities such as entrance gates, a covered corridor, cloak room, medical centre and command centre will transform the premises into a hi-tech visitor facility complex. Landscaping and the development of shops will further enrich the tourism experience. The development work is being carried out over a total area of 12,980 square metres. The project is being executed by C&DS.

The project includes the construction of five entrance gates, a landscaped area of 2,734 square metres, a 3.25-metre-wide and 652-running-metre-long covered corridor along the boundary wall, a 412-square-metre cloak room, 26 toilets each for men and women, four toilets for Divyangjan, drinking water facilities, a security staff hall, nine shops, a CCTV system, a control room and command centre, a pantry and a medical centre. These facilities will provide better amenities to devotees and develop the premises into a modern tourist destination.

C&DS Project Manager Devvrat Pawar stated, “After the completion of the land transfer process, construction work gathered pace from April 2026. At present, foundation and piling work for the main building is underway. We are committed to completing all the facilities within the stipulated timeline. The target is to complete the construction by October next year.”

District Magistrate Ishan Pratap Singh said, “In line with the vision of the state government, the ancient religious site of Lodheshwar Mahadev Temple in Barabanki is being equipped with modern tourism facilities. Despite land-related obstacles, the work is now progressing rapidly. This project will create a beautiful confluence of faith and tourism. The district administration is regularly monitoring this important development work to ensure it is completed within the stipulated time and to the highest quality. It will also boost the local economy and attract a larger number of tourists.”

Located on the banks of the Ghaghara River in Mahadeva village of Ramnagar tehsil in Barabanki district, the Lodheshwar Mahadev Temple is an extremely ancient and sacred Shiva temple. The Shivling here is considered one of the 52 rare Shivlings in India. It is believed that the Pandavas performed a Mahayagya here during the Mahabharata era, evidence of which still exists in the form of the Pandav-Koop.

The Lodheshwar Mahadev Temple derives its name from a Brahmin named Lodharam, who discovered the Shivling following Lord Shiva’s command in a dream. The temple is also the Kuldevta of the Lodhi Rajputs. References to its worship are found in all four Yugas. Every year, lakhs of devotees visit the temple on Mahashivratri and fulfill their wishes. Owing to its mythological significance, deep faith and miracles associated with it, Lodheshwar Mahadev remains a major centre of devotion.