Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, August 20, 2025 – In a move that blends faith, history, and politics, the Union Home Ministry has given the green light to rename Jalalabad town in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur district as Parshurampuri. This change honors Lord Parshuram, a key figure in Hindu stories as an avatar of Lord Vishnu known for his warrior spirit and devotion. The approval came through a letter to the state’s Chief Secretary, stating no objections from the central government. Locals and leaders see this as a big win for cultural pride, especially since many believe Jalalabad is the birthplace of Lord Parshuram.
The town, home to around 50,000 people, has long been tied to this legend. There’s an old temple complex called Parshuram Thaan, where folks say the god was born. For years, residents have pushed for the rename to reflect this heritage. Back in 2021, during election time, villagers even threatened to skip voting if their demand wasn’t met. They argued that the current name, Jalalabad, dates back to Mughal times and doesn’t match the site’s ancient roots. In October 2024, Union Minister Jitin Prasada, who represents nearby Pilibhit in Parliament, promised during a local event that the change would happen soon. Now, less than a year later, it’s official.
Jitin Prasada shared the news on social media, thanking Home Minister Amit Shah for the quick approval. He also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for their support. “This decision brings honor and joy to devotees of Lord Parshuram,” Prasada wrote. “I see myself as just a tool in this sacred task, blessed by divine grace.” He prayed for the god’s blessings on everyone. The rename is viewed by some as a way to boost Brahmin voters’ support, given Lord Parshuram’s link to that community, though officials call it a pure cultural step.
Reactions have been mostly positive among temple visitors and Hindu groups. “We’ve waited decades for this,” said a local shopkeeper near the temple. “It puts our town on the map for pilgrims and tourists.” However, a few voices worry about confusion with paperwork or daily life, like updating addresses and signs. The district administration plans to roll out the change smoothly, starting with official records and road markers. There’s talk of developing the area as a tourist spot, with better roads and facilities around the temple to draw more visitors.
This isn’t the first such rename in Uttar Pradesh under the current government. Places like Allahabad became Prayagraj and Faizabad turned into Ayodhya, all to reclaim ancient names. Experts say these moves strengthen cultural identity but can sometimes spark debates on history. For now, Parshurampuri stands as a symbol of modern governance.
As the dust settles, locals hope the new name brings peace and growth. With elections possibly on the horizon, it might also shape how people vote. Shahjahanpur district, known for its farms and history, now has another layer to its story, one rooted in gods and legends.
