Chhapaiya

Chhapaiya is a village and pilgrimage site located in the Uttar Pradesh state of India, specifically in the Basti district. It holds significant religious importance as the birthplace of Swaminarayan, also known as Ghanshyam Pande, the founder of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. The village is a major center of pilgrimage for followers of the Swaminarayan faith, who visit to pay their respects at the birthplace of Swaminarayan and other associated holy sites. These sites often include temples dedicated to Swaminarayan, his parents, and places where significant events from his childhood are believed to have occurred. Chhapaiya's economy is largely driven by religious tourism, with numerous guesthouses, shops selling religious items, and restaurants catering to the influx of pilgrims. The Swaminarayan Sampradaya maintains a strong presence in the village, overseeing the temples and pilgrimage facilities.