What is the history of the Katyayini Devi Temple in Kanpur Dehat?

The Katyayini Devi Temple in Kanpur Dehat is a 500-year-old shrine that has been a seat of Shakti worship for centuries. According to local accounts, the grand temple was built by King Gajadhar Dubey of Shahjahanpur after his prayers for a son were fulfilled.

Who visited the Katyayini Devi Temple before their missions?

The temple was considered a shrine of faith by brigands of the Chambal region, including the notorious dacoit Phoolan Devi, who would offer prayers for protection at the temple before heading out on their missions.

How will the renovation of the Katyayini Devi Temple impact Kanpur Dehat?

The renovation of the Katyayini Devi Temple is part of a broader effort to position Kanpur Dehat as a regional religious tourism hub. This is expected to stimulate the rural economy and create new employment opportunities for locals, as the renovated temple site is likely to attract more pilgrims and tourists to the area.

Home / Lifestyle / Kanpur Dehat's Katyayini Devi Temple Undergoes Facelift, Draws Pilgrims and Dacoits

Kanpur Dehat's Katyayini Devi Temple Undergoes Facelift, Draws Pilgrims and Dacoits

3 Oct

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Summary

500-year-old temple undergoing renovation
Shrine was visited by notorious dacoit Phoolan Devi
Temple development part of plan to boost religious tourism in Kanpur Dehat

Kanpur Dehat's Katyayini Devi Temple Undergoes Facelift, Draws Pilgrims and Dacoits

The Katyayini Devi Temple in Kanpur Dehat, Uttar Pradesh, is about to undergo a significant transformation. This 500-year-old shrine, which has been a seat of Shakti worship for centuries, is set to receive a much-needed facelift.

According to Jaiveer Singh, the tourism and culture minister of Uttar Pradesh, the state government has sanctioned ₹1 crore under the Chief Minister's Tourism Development Scheme for the temple's integrated development. This initiative aims to add safe, clean, and modern facilities while preserving the spiritual sanctity of the shrine.

The temple's renovation is part of a broader effort to position Kanpur Dehat as a regional religious tourism hub. This, in turn, is expected to stimulate the rural economy and create new employment opportunities for locals. The planned improvements include the addition of modern facade lighting, better visitor facilities like public toilets, drinking water arrangements, waiting areas, and an information center.

Interestingly, the temple has a rich history and is known to have been visited by the notorious dacoit Phoolan Devi, who would offer prayers for protection before her missions. Local accounts suggest that the temple's idol is over 500 years old and that it was built by King Gajadhar Dubey of Shahjahanpur centuries ago.

As the temple undergoes its transformation, officials are hopeful that the renovated site will help augment tourist footfall in Kanpur Dehat, which has already seen a significant surge in recent years. In 2024, the district welcomed over 9.47 lakh visitors, and this number is expected to cross 10.5 lakh in 2025.

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