Lucknow, Nov. 12 -- The state tourism department has approved Rs.2 crore for the integrated tourism development of Shrangi Rishi Ashram in Parikshitgarh in Meerut district as part of the Mahabharata Circuit, a government spokesperson said.

It is believed that the beginning of the Kaliyug was from there, and many events related to the Mahabharata era also took place there, the official added.

Uttar Pradesh tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh said the 'ashram' houses statues of sages Shrangi and Shamik, and stories associated with them that aroused curiosity among tourists. Footprints in the Yagyashala connect visitors to history and the present, he added.

The minister stated that the department was rapidly developing tourist faci...