MP govt to develop Janapav pilgrimage sites at ₹17 crore: CM Mohan Yadav
Synopsis
Madhya Pradesh is betting ₹17 crore on Janapav — a hilltop in Indore district revered as the site where Lord Krishna received the Sudarshan Chakra — to replicate the Mahakal Lok success story. With a ropeway, auditorium, and herbal gardens planned, CM Mohan Yadav is positioning religious tourism as both a cultural mission and an economic driver.
Key Takeaways
CM Mohan Yadav announced ₹17 crore for Shri Parashuram Lok and Shri Krishna Lok at Janapav, Indore on 4 September .
Projects are modelled on Mahakal Lok in Ujjain , which boosted pilgrim footfall and local employment.
Facilities will include a Yajna Kund , auditorium, meditation huts, herbal gardens, and a proposed ropeway .
Janapav is believed to be where Lord Krishna received the Sudarshan Chakra from Maharishi Parashuram .
The state government plans to develop all sites linked to Lord Krishna and Lord Ram as pilgrimage destinations across Madhya Pradesh.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday, 4 September announced the development of 'Shri Parashuram Lok' and 'Shri Krishna Lok' at Janapav in Indore district at an estimated cost of ₹17 crore, aiming to transform the sacred hilltop into a major pilgrimage and religious tourism hub. The groundbreaking ceremony was held on the occasion of Janmashtami.
Projects Modelled on Mahakal Lok
The two projects will be developed on the lines of Mahakal Lok in Ujjain, which the state government credits with a significant surge in pilgrim footfall and local employment. Chief Minister Yadav said the Janapav initiative is expected to generate similar economic and spiritual dividends for the region.
The site holds deep significance in Hindu tradition — it is believed to be the place where Lord Krishna received the Sudarshan Chakra from Maharishi Parashuram. 'Janapav is the glorious land where Lord Krishna received the Sudarshan Chakra from Maharishi Parashuram. It is a sacred and magnificent site, and it is our privilege to commemorate Lord Krishna on Janmashtami at this holy place,' CM Yadav said.
What the Projects Will Include
The Parashuram Lok and Krishna Lok developments will feature a redeveloped Yajna Kund, a grand auditorium, meditation huts, herbal gardens, landscaping, a multi-purpose building, and expanded public amenities. A ropeway on the hill has also been proposed to ease pilgrim and tourist movement.
Broader Religious Tourism Push
The Janapav announcement is part of a wider state government drive to develop sites linked to Lord Krishna and Lord Ram across Madhya Pradesh. CM Yadav said the government is working to bring the state's nearly 5,000-year-old religious and cultural heritage to wider public attention.
'All places in Madhya Pradesh associated with Lord Krishna will be developed as pilgrimage destinations, while the places visited by Lord Ram during his exile will also be developed to promote religious tourism,' he added.
Cultural and Generational Connect
CM Yadav also invoked episodes from Lord Krishna's life — including the story of Shishupal, noting that Krishna forgave him 100 offences in honour of a promise to his aunt before acting to uphold dharma. He said the projects would help connect future generations with Sanatan traditions and the spiritual legacy associated with both Lord Krishna and Maharishi Parashuram.
With construction set to begin, Janapav is poised to emerge as a key node in Madhya Pradesh's expanding religious tourism circuit.
Point of View
And the Madhya Pradesh government is now replicating that model at scale. What distinguishes this push is its dual branding — Lord Krishna and Maharishi Parashuram on a single site — which broadens its devotional appeal across communities. The real test, as with Mahakal Lok, will be whether infrastructure investment translates into sustained local livelihoods or merely a construction-phase boost. Madhya Pradesh's religious tourism strategy is increasingly central to its economic pitch, and Janapav is its newest chapter.
NationPress
4 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Janapav pilgrimage development project in Madhya Pradesh?
The Madhya Pradesh government has announced the development of Shri Parashuram Lok and Shri Krishna Lok at Janapav in Indore district at a cost of ₹17 crore. The projects are modelled on Mahakal Lok in Ujjain and aim to turn the site into a major religious tourism destination.
Why is Janapav considered a sacred site?
Janapav is revered in Hindu tradition as the place where Lord Krishna received the Sudarshan Chakra from Maharishi Parashuram. CM Mohan Yadav described it as a site of special significance in Madhya Pradesh's spiritual heritage.
What facilities will be built at Janapav under the new projects?
The development will include a redeveloped Yajna Kund, a grand auditorium, meditation huts, herbal gardens, landscaping, a multi-purpose building, expanded public amenities, and a proposed ropeway on the hill to ease pilgrim movement.
How does this fit into Madhya Pradesh's broader tourism plans?
The Janapav project is part of a wider state drive to develop all sites linked to Lord Krishna and Lord Ram as pilgrimage destinations. CM Yadav has cited Mahakal Lok's success in Ujjain as the model, citing increased footfall and local employment generated there.
When was the groundbreaking ceremony for the Janapav projects held?
The groundbreaking ceremony was held on 4 September, on the occasion of Janmashtami, with Chief Minister Mohan Yadav presiding over the event in Indore district.
