Integrating Sacred Heritage in Urban Planning: A Framework for Hindu Pilgrimage Towns in India

The incorporation of sacred heritage into urban planning is a significant yet often overlooked dimension of modern urban development, particularly in pilgrimage cities. This research addresses the complex relationship between cultural heritage and spatial planning in Hindu pilgrimage towns by adopting a comprehensive mixed-methods approach. Taking Haridwar as a primary case study, the research integrates theoretical synthesis, place-based pilot study, and expert validation through structured reviews (n = 15). By triangulating these diverse data sources, the study builds an analytical framework that emphasizes the integration of indigenous knowledge systems, sacred geography, and community involvement. The results provide a reproducible, culturally responsive strategy for urban development, which is of significant value to legislators, urban planners, and cultural heritage management specialists.