Table of Contents
Shringverpur Dham
Geographical Details
– Located in Prayagraj (Allahabad) district, Uttar Pradesh
– Situated on the banks of the Ganges River
– Approximately 35-40 kilometers from Prayagraj city
Historical and Mythological Significance
– Named after Shringi Rishi
– A pivotal site in the Ramayana epic
– Lord Ram, along with Sita and Lakshmana, stayed here for one night during their 14-year exile
– Symbolic place representing social harmony
– Location where Nishadraj (Raja Nishad) helped Lord Ram cross the river Ganga by ferrying a boat
Tourism and Cultural Significance
– The Uttar Pradesh government has been focusing on developing religious tourism in the region
– Efforts are being made to develop infrastructure and facilities for pilgrims
– Important pilgrimage destination for Ram devotees
– Part of the larger Ramayana circuit tourism initiative (1 site among 15 others)
– Focuses on preserving and promoting cultural heritage
– Aims to enhance religious tourism infrastructure
Recent Development Initiatives
– Developed by Uttar Pradesh government with a substantial budget of ₹37.81 crores
– Establishment of Nishadraj Tourist Park
– Launch of Nishadraj Cruise which is managed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), has begun its journey from Varanasi to Prayagraj.
This comprehensive overview highlights Shringverpur Dham’s multifaceted importance as a historical, mythological, and cultural landmark in Uttar Pradesh.
Nishadraj Tourist Park
– Park spread across 6 hectares
– Installation of a 52-foot-high statue depicting Lord Rama embracing Nishadraj
– Encouragement of local residents to construct traditional mud houses and huts
– Creating an authentic rural experience for visitors
Nishadraj Cruise
– The Nishadraj is a mini cruise ship that will be available in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela.
– The 20-meter long cruise is battery-operated and has a seating capacity of 60 passengers. It will offer a panoramic tour of the Sangam to devotees and tourists.
– The cruise is intended to enhance the experience of devotees and tourists by providing a comfortable and unique way to see the Sangam. It will also be available for VIP dignitaries and other visitors.
– The Nishadraj cruise is managed by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI).
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi will board the Cruise on December 13, 2024 to travel from Arail to the Sangam. He will perform a ritual bath in the Ganga and pay homage to the river.
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) is a statutory body established under the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) Act, 1985.
Founded in 1986 under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, IWAI plays a crucial role in developing India’s inland water transportation infrastructure.
Headquarters: Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Key Functions:
Developing and maintaining National Waterways
Conducting technical and economic feasibility studies for inland waterway projects
Creating infrastructure for efficient inland water transportation
Surveying and identifying potential waterways for national importance
Implementing navigation and safety standards
Legal Framework:
Established under the IWAI Act, 1985
Empowered by the National Waterways Act, 2016
Currently manages 111 National Waterways across various states
Major Achievements:
Development of National Waterway-1 (Ganga River)
Modernization of river port infrastructure
Implementing Jal Marg Vikas Project (JMVP) with World Bank assistance
Promoting multimodal transportation systems