The Shri Krishna Patheya is a project focusing on the literary and cultural conservation and promotion of areas related to the life of the deity, which the Madhya Pradesh chief minister, Mohan Yadav has said will be developed with the help of the Rajasthan government. In addition, the Gujarat government’s help will be sought to create Shri Krishna's Gujarat Gaman Path.
The word patheya means ‘on the way’. Thus, all such places which were said to be touched by the feet of Shri Krishna are to be developed under the project.
Yadav emphasised that while Shri Krishna's divine form is praiseworthy, the government will also highlight his other significant aspects for society.
These include his education in Ujjain, his deep friendship with Sudama, his love for the Vanvasis (forest dwellers), and his exemplary role in the Guru-Shishya tradition.
Painting, filming, recording and cinematography will be done in all the areas. Such sites will be promoted in the country and the world over, as Shri Krishna worshippers are found around the world.
In November 2024, the state cabinet approved the formation of the ‘Shri Krishna Patheya Trust’ under the Madhya Pradesh Public Trust Act 1951.
The Trust will be responsible for the management of temples and structures of Lord Krishna, consultation and suggestions for the establishment of Sandipani Gurukul (where Shri Krishna is said to have received his education), development of places of Shri Krishna Patheya from social, economic, and tourism points of view, the establishment of a library, museum, etc.
While the CM heads the trust, it is has a total of 28 members of which 23 ex-officio trustee members while five renowned scholars are nominated as unofficial trustee members.
The CM has directed that archaeologists, religious leaders, and renowned writers of Lord Krishna literature should also be included in the committee to enrich its efforts.
Meetings of the committee should travel outside Bhopal, to Ujjain as well as in key locations in Rajasthan, such as Jaipur, Bharatpur, Braj, Chaurasi Kos, or any other significant site. This initiative will help create a positive environment for Shri Krishna Patheya in both states.
While Shri Krishna is said to have travelled extensively across regions such as Mathura, Ujjain, Dwarka, Braj Mandal, Mewat, Hadaut, Malwa, Nimar, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Vidarbha, and Maharashtra; Ujjain remained the centre of his travels. The CM has instructed that ancient texts and literature be analysed to identify all such places that are associated with the diety.
