Kampilya to Shine on the Mahabharata Circuit: ₹4.70 Crore Project to Transform Draupadi’s Birthplace into a World-Class Tourist Hub
Lucknow – Uttar Pradesh’s historic Kampilya (Kampil), famed for its Mahabharata-era legacy, is set to emerge as a world-class tourist destination with the state government approving a ₹4.70 crore development plan under the Mahabharata Circuit. The first installment of ₹1.40 crore has already been released to initiate the project. Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh stated,
“We are committed to preserving and enhancing Kampilya, the birthplace of Draupadi and home to numerous cultural heritage sites, to offer visitors an enriching experience.”
Reviving Mahabharata-era Experiences
As part of the development, four interactive interpretation installations will be created at a cost of ₹2.37 crore, bringing to life iconic episodes from the Mahabharata. These include Draupadi’s birth, her friendship with Lord Krishna, her Swayamvar, and the teachings at Kapil Muni’s ashram, allowing visitors to engage with history and cultural heritage through modern technology.
Grand Entrance for Rameshwar Nath Temple
The ancient Rameshwar Nath Temple in Kampilya will receive a majestic entrance gate costing over ₹30 lakh, designed in traditional architectural style to attract devotees and tourists alike. Believed to have been established by Lord Ram’s brother Shatrughna during the Treta Yuga, the temple draws large crowds during the Sawan month. Stone storyboards and interpretive panels will further educate visitors about the site’s historical and religious significance.
Modern Tourist Facilities
To enhance visitor comfort, a ₹55 lakh modern Tourist Facility Center will be developed, offering clean restrooms, potable water, rest areas, cafeteria, and administrative offices in one location, ensuring a seamless experience for pilgrims and tourists.
Restoring Kampilya’s Ancient Glory
Amrit Abhijat, Additional Chief Secretary of Tourism, Culture, and Endowment Department, highlighted that Kampilya, once the capital of Panchal, holds immense historical and religious significance, being linked to Draupadi’s birth, her Swayamvar, 13th Jain Tirthankar Vimalnath, and nearby Buddhist sacred sites in Sankisa. Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s directive, the state has divided Uttar Pradesh into 12 thematic tourism circuits, with the Mahabharata Circuit expected to attract devotees and followers of Lord Krishna from across the globe.
Minister Jaiveer Singh reaffirmed the government’s commitment, stating, “Through comprehensive development, we aim to restore Kampilya’s ancient glory and provide an immersive, culturally rich experience to visitors while promoting it as a major hub on the Mahabharata Circuit.”
