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.