The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department is in the final stage of developing the Arti Spot at Kubri Ghat in Kadha Dham, Kaushambi.

The project, being constructed at a cost of Rs 2.41 crore, is expected to be completed soon. This upcoming facility aims to provide improved comfort and convenience to the steadily rising number of devotees who visit this spiritually significant site throughout the year.

Kubri Ghat holds an important place in traditional narratives, as it is believed to be associated with Krishna, Balaram, and Sudama during the time they received guidance from Sage Sandipani. Once completed, the Arti Spot will offer visitors a more organised, accessible, and welcoming environment during prayers, festivals, and routine activities at the ghat.

Kadha Dham, located in the Sirathu tehsil of Kaushambi district, is a deeply respected revered site dedicated to Sheetla Mata.

It is also regarded as one of the 51 Shakti Peeths, which adds to its spiritual importance and draws devotees from many regions throughout the year.

The area was earlier known as the Karakotam jungle, and references to this place are found in the Skanda Purana. Many people believe it is one of the Shakti Peethas where a part of hand (kar) of Goddess Sati is said to have fallen, which is why the place came to be known as Kadha Dham.

Devotees have strong faith that worshipping here fulfils their wishes, especially for the well-being of children.

According to local, Suraj Divakar says, “During the exile of the Pandavas, Yudhishthira worshipped at this spot and established a shrine of Sheetla Mata along with a Mahakaleshwar Shivling on the riverbank.”

Kara is also known as the birthplace of Saint Malookdas, a worshipper of Maa Sheetla, who lived from 1631 to 1739. His ashram and samadhi are located here. Many stories mention that Sikh Guru Teg Bahadur visited Kara to hold discussions with Saint Malookdas.

There is also a story that Emperor Aurangzeb sent his soldier, Fateh Khan, to bring Malookdas to his palace. Instead, Fateh Khan stayed with the saint, started his spiritual practice under him, and became known as Mir Madhav. A shrine in his name still stands at the site.

A special donkey fair is held every year in the premises of the Sheetla Mata Temple. This fair is organised because the donkey is believed to be the vahana of Sheetla Mata. Devotees offer gram, green grass, and milk to the donkeys as an act of devotion.

Traders from states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar bring donkeys, mules, and horses for sale. Buyers from many regions visit the fair, making it an important location for livestock trade. Some donkeys are sold at high prices depending on their strength and breed.

This fair brings together both devotees and traders and creates a lively atmosphere throughout the temple area.

A major seven-day fair is held every year during the month of Ashadh on Saptami and Ashtami. Thousands of devotees from Uttar Pradesh and nearby states take part in this fair.

The temple also sees huge gatherings during Navratri and other holy days. Inside the temple complex, there is a kund where devotees offer water, milk, fruits, and dry fruits while praying for blessings.

Many families also bring their children here for the mundan ceremony, which is considered very auspicious.

Sharing his vision for Uttar Pradesh’s tourism growth, state Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh says, “Kadha Dham holds great importance for devotees who come here with deep faith, and the growing footfall clearly shows this. In the first half of 2025 alone, nearly 15 lakh tourists came to Kaushambi, many of whom came to seek blessings at Kadha Dham, especially during the holy fair."

"Our focus is to create facilities that bring comfort to visitors and support this rising number. We will continue working to make sites like Kadha Dham more welcoming and accessible for everyone,” he said.

The Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department has taken another significant step toward improving facilities for devotees and promoting the region’s religious heritage. The ongoing development work is expected to further enhance visitor comfort and support the growing tourism potential of the area once completed.