The Uttar Pradesh government has received a green signal from the Union Home Ministry to rename the town of Jalalabad in Shahjahanpur district as Parshurampuri. The approval came via an official letter from the Home Ministry’s Under Secretary Unnikrishnan, addressed to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary, confirming that the central government raised no objections to the proposal.
Origins of the Name Change
The renaming proposal traces back to June, when instructions from Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath prompted the state government to formally request the Union Home Ministry to change the name—reflecting the town’s religious heritage. The Times of India+1
This move builds on a decision made three years ago, when the Yogi government declared Jalalabad as the birthplace of Lord Parshuram, the sixth avatar of Vishnu, with an eye toward developing the area as a religious tourism hub. At the time, ₹30 crore was allocated for beautifying the temple precinct and reviving a large pond near the shrine, complete with ghats and improved access roads. Hindustan Times
Cultural Significance and Local Support
Jalalabad carries historical weight—founded during Akbar’s reign, its name held Mughal connotations. But for many locals and devotees of Lord Parshuram, it’s a sacred site with spiritual resonance. The switch to Parshurampuri—literally, the “City of Parshuram”—is seen as a reclamation of cultural identity.
Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada hailed the approval as a “moment of pride for the Sanatani community,” expressing heartfelt gratitude to Home Minister Amit Shah, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and CM Yogi Adityanath. He described himself as a mere vehicle for this “holy work” and invoked Parshuram’s divine blessings for the nation. Hindustan TimesRepublic World
Administrative Details and Next Steps
According to Times of India, the Home Ministry’s nod followed the UP government’s June 27 submission and a recommendation from the Ministry of Science & Technology on August 14, 2025. The government of India signaled no objection to the renaming and asked UP to issue the formal Gazette notification in multiple languages (Hindi, English, and regional), sharing copies with key departments like Survey of India, the postal service, and Indian Railways for updates. The Times of India
Hindustan Times adds that Shahjahanpur’s municipal council had passed resolutions in March 2018 and September 2023 supporting the name change. In April 2025, the district magistrate forwarded these resolutions along with his recommendation to the state government, and state leadership proceeded accordingly.
Broader Context
The renaming is part of a broader trend across India of reinstating culturally or religiously significant names. Similar changes include the renaming of Allahabad to Prayagraj and Faizabad district to Ayodhya, both in 2018. Hindustan TimesThe Times of India
By aligning place names with local heritage, governments aim to foster a sense of identity and reverence. As The Logical Indian reflects, such moves can strengthen cultural pride—but must also ensure inclusivity in India’s pluralistic society. The Logical Indian
Summary & Final Thoughts
The renaming of Jalalabad to Parshurampuri marks a significant cultural moment for Shahjahanpur. With central approval formalized, the town is poised to embrace its religious identity, potentially boosting tourism and spiritual engagement. The next step is the official Gazette notification, after which administrative systems will start reflecting the new name.
