Glory of the State’s Religious Heritage Being Restored Through Yogi Government’s Efforts

• After Ayodhya, Kashi, Chhoti Kashi, and Naimisharanya, the Yogi government to restore the ancient Munda Shivala of Shravasti.
• Munda Shivala in Shravasti has a 225-year-old history; devotees also visit from Nepal.
• Restoration and beautification to be carried out at a cost of ₹4 crore; a trust will also be formed.

Lucknow, Aug 2025 : The Yogi government is taking concrete steps to preserve and revive the state’s religious and cultural heritage. Under the direction of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, after the beautification and restoration of hundreds of major pilgrimage sites such as Gola Gokaran Nath in Lakhimpur Kheri (also known as Chhoti Kashi) and Naimisharanya, preparations are now underway to give new life to the historic Munda Shivala in Shravasti. This ancient temple, which has a 225-year-old history, attracts a large number of devotees, including many from Nepal.

Constructed Between 1800 and 1820
Shravasti District Magistrate Ajay Kumar Dwivedi said that, in line with the Chief Minister’s vision, work is continuously being done to conserve and restore religious heritage. Following the model of projects in Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura, Naimisharanya, and Chhoti Kashi, the Munda Shivala is also set to be revived, which will boost the local economy and tourism. Located in Mohalla Banjardha of Fakharpur area, the temple was built between 1800 and 1820 by a local Thakur family. Over the years, neglect and encroachment had left the premises in a dilapidated state. Now, with an investment of around ₹4 crore, the temple will undergo full restoration and beautification. A trust will also be established to ensure proper management, regular worship, and better facilities for devotees. This trust will oversee temple maintenance, religious events, and security arrangements.

Modern Amenities for Devotees, Trust Formation Planned
The DM said repairs will be made to the sanctum sanctorum, courtyard, and surrounding walls, along with painting, flooring, and tiling. Access roads and connecting paths will be built. Facilities like drinking water, toilets, seating areas, lighting, and security equipment will be installed. The premises will also feature tree plantations, rainwater harvesting systems, digital information boards, and CCTV cameras. The proposed trust will handle the appointment of priests, daily rituals, major festivals, and local cultural programs.

The restoration of Munda Shivala is expected to give a fresh boost to religious tourism in Shravasti, already famous for its Buddhist heritage, and will likely attract more devotees from Nepal as well.