Report on

Historical Tour to Naimisharanya, Sitapur

Date of Visit: 08^th April, 2026

Organised by: Maharishi School of Humanities (MUIT Lucknow Campus) in association with IQAC

Objective: On April 8, 2026, Maharishi School of Humanities (MUIT Lucknow Campus) in association with IQAC, organised a historical tour to Naimisharanya, Sitapur. The objective of the tour was to explore the historical, religious, and cultural significance of Naimisharanya, one of the most sacred pilgrimage in India.

Participating Students: Undergraduate and Postgraduate students of History

Visit Details: The group upon arrival at Naimisharanya, began their visit with Shri Trishakti Dham. At this site, Dr. Arti Gupta explained the architectural features of the temple, highlighting its Dravidian style and distinctive structural elements. She also initiated discussions on temple architecture, comparing Dravid and Nagar styles to enhance students’ conceptual understanding.

The next site was Gomti Ghat, where students observed local religious practices and rituals. Discussions were held on the cultural and spiritual significance of river ghats in Indian tradition and their role in sustaining pilgrimage practices.

The group then proceeded to Hanumangarhi, where students explored its religious importance and engaged in discussions on the Bhakti tradition and its continuity in present-day society.

Afterwards, students visited Chakrateerth, considered the spiritual centre of Naimisharanya. Here, Dr. Gupta discussed its Puranic significance and encouraged students to reflect on mythological narratives and their connection with geographical locations.

The next destination was Lalita Devi Temple, one of the prominent Shakti Peethas. Students learned about its mythological background and importance in Shakti worship traditions.

The group then visited Kaali Peeth and Devdeveshwar Dham, where discussions focused on local religious beliefs, temple traditions, and their role in preserving cultural heritage. At some of these temples, priests also interacted with the students, sharing valuable insights into rituals, traditions, and the historical significance of the sites, which further enhanced the students’ understanding.

Finally, the students visited Vyas Gaddi, traditionally associated with the compilation of the Puranas. At this site, an engaging discussion was conducted on oral traditions, the composition of ancient Indian texts, and the intellectual legacy of sages like Ved Vyasa.

Throughout the visit students were actively engaged in discussions at every site, linking historical, architectural, literary, and cultural aspects with their academic curriculum. The tour encouraged students to critically examine the continuity and transformation of religious and cultural traditions in India.

The academic excursion was coordinated by Dr. Arti Gupta, Assistant Professor (History) at the Maharishi School of Humanities. 

Students’ feedback: Students shared highly positive feedback regarding the educational tour. They found the visit insightful and engaging, as it allowed them to experience firsthand the sacred geography of Naimisharanya. Many students appreciated the opportunity to explore sites they had previously only read about in texts.

The visit helped them better understand the connection between mythology, history, and cultural practices. Students also expressed that the discussions on Puranic traditions and continuity in religious culture enhanced their critical thinking and academic interest.

Acknowledgements: We extend our gratitude to Hon’ble Vice Chancellor (Prof. Bhanu Pratap Singh), Registrar (Dr. Girish Chhimwal), Dean Academics (Dr. Neeraj Jain), Dean (Dr. Rupam Singh), Dy. Dean (Dr. R.P. Dixit), for their support and encouragement for the successful conduct and completion of the visit. We also thank Sr. AO (Mr. Rajesh Singh) for his support and coordination. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Shri Durgesh Kashyap  (Jila Adhyaksh, Bhartiya Vyapar Parishad Lucknow) and Shri Gopal Shastri (Peethadhishwar, Kalipeeth) for enriching the knowledge of the students through their discourse. A sincere note of thanks to Mr. Navneet Mishra (SHO, Namisharanya), Mr. Pankaj Tiwari (Former SHO, Namisharanya), and his team (Shri Umesh and Shri Yash kumar) for their indispensable support throughout the tour.