**Summary:**
In response to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 3664, addressed on August 11, 2025, the Ministry of Culture addressed inquiries regarding the Harihareshwara Temple in Harihara Taluk, Davanagere district, Karnataka. The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, clarified that the Harihareshwara Temple is recognized as a monument of national importance and is under the care and maintenance of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The Ministry confirmed that no projects specifically targeting the Harihareshwara Temple have been sanctioned under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme. The Ministry also stated that receiving proposals from the State GovernmentsUnion Territory Administrations for financial assistance for tourism projects is a continuous process. Proposals are evaluated against prescribed guidelines, and financial assistance is contingent upon fulfilling stipulated conditions and the availability of funds.
The selection of pilgrimage destinations and heritage sites for inclusion under the PRASHAD Scheme involves a multi-parameter assessment, including footfall numbers, cultural and historical significance, equitable nationwide representation, and other relevant factors. This selection process is conducted in consultation with State Governments and Union Territory Administrations.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Culture: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for the preservation and promotion of art and culture.
Harihareshwara Temple: A temple located in Harihara Taluk, Davanagere district, Karnataka. The subject of the question regarding its designation as a heritage site.
Harihara Taluk, Davanagere district, Karnataka: The location of the Harihareshwara Temple.
Archaeological Survey of India ASI: An Indian government agency attached to the Ministry of Culture that is responsible for archaeological research and the conservation and preservation of cultural monuments in the country.
Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive PRASHAD Scheme: A scheme by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, for developing pilgrimage destinations.
Swadesh Darshan 2.0: A scheme for spiritual or heritage tourism development
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat: The Minister of Culture and Tourism answering the question in the Lok Sabha.
Ministry of Tourism: A ministry of the Government of India responsible for the development and promotion of tourism in India.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF CULTURE
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO.3664
ANSWERED ON 11.08.2025
DESIGNATION OF HARIHARESHWARA TEMPLE AS HERITAGE SITE
3664. DR. PRABHA MALLIKARJUN:
Will the Minister of CULTURE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Harihareshwara Temple in Harihara Taluk, Davanagere district, Karnataka,has
been designated as a heritage site by the Government and if not, the reasons therefor;
(b) whether the said temple has been included under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual
Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme or Swadesh Darshan 2.0 for spiritual
or heritage tourism development and if not, the reasons therefor; and
(c) the details of the criteria and process followed by the Government, in consultation with
State Governments, for identifying and prioritising sites for heritage designation and
inclusion under tourism schemes?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF CULTURE AND TOURISM
(SHRI GAJENDRA SINGH SHEKHAWAT)
(a) The Harihareshwara Temple at Harihara in Harihara Taluk, Davanagere district Karnataka
is a monument of national importance under the care and maintenance of Archaeological
Survey of India (ASI).
(b) No project has been sanctioned around "Harihareshwara Temple in Harihara Taluk,
Davanagere district, Karnataka", under the Pilgrimage Rejuvenation And Spiritual Heritage
Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism. Receiving proposals
from the State Governments/Union Territory Administrations for financial assistance for
tourism projects is a continuous process. The proposals received are examined with
reference to the prescribed guidelines and financial assistance is extended for such projects
subject to fulfillment of the stipulated conditions and availability of funds.
(c) The selection of pilgrimage destinations / heritage sites under PRASHAD Scheme is based
on various parameters, which, inter-alia, include the number of footfalls, cultural, historical
& heritage significance of the locations, equitable representation to ensure nationwide
development, and other factors. This process is undertaken in consultation with State
Governments/UT Administrations.
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