A grand Janki temple and complex will be constructed at Punoura Dham in Sitamarhi, Bihar, at a cost of ₹890 crore. The temple will span 67 acres of land and boost religious tourism. Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone for the project.
Bihar: Punoura Dham, a historically significant site in Sitamarhi district, Bihar, from a religious and cultural perspective, is set for a transformation. Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of the grand temple and complex of Mata Janki (Sita). This location, believed to be the birthplace of Sita, is now being developed into an international-level religious tourism destination.
₹890 Crore to be Spent on Construction of Grand Temple
With the approval of the Bihar government and the support of the central government, the entire project is estimated to cost approximately ₹890 crore. This includes various structures, religious amenities, and modern tourist facilities.
- ₹137 crore will be used for the repair, restoration, and development of the existing temple and surrounding complex.
- ₹728 crore will be used to construct structures like the Parikrama path, parking facilities, rest houses, museums, gardens, and water purification systems around the temple.
- ₹16 crore will be spent on maintenance over the next 10 years.
During the event, Home Minister Amit Shah announced that this temple is the gateway to the future of Mithila and Bihar, giving a new direction to employment, tourism, and cultural development.
Temple and Complex to Cover 67 Acres
The Maa Janki temple will be constructed on a total of 67 acres of land:
- This includes the 17 acres of land already available.
- An additional 50 acres of land has been provided by the government for this project.
This vast area will house not only the temple but also its extensive complex, halls for religious activities, a Yagyashala, Dharmashala, discourse platform, meditation center, accommodation for pilgrims, and a cultural center.
Historical and Religious Significance of Punoura Dham
Punoura Dham is located approximately 5 kilometers west of the Sitamarhi district headquarters in Bihar. This place is known as the birthplace of Mata Sita. From an archaeological, mythological, and religious point of view, this site is extremely important. Every year, thousands of devotees come here from the country and abroad. Now that it is being redeveloped, this place will be included in the category of major religious places like Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Ujjain.
Major Boost to Religious Tourism
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said at the event, 'This is not just a temple construction, but the beginning of the rise of Mithilanchal and Bihar. The Modi government has given priority to the redevelopment of religious heritage, and the Sita temple is a prime example of this.' He said that this project will become a medium for economic progress, local employment, and preservation of culture in the region. Through this, religious tourism in Bihar will also get a new dimension.
Support from Chief Minister Nitish Kumar
The Bihar government had already approved this project. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has said that this scheme is a major effort to enhance the glory of Bihar as well as preserve its cultural heritage. He said, 'This scheme of Punoura Dham will not only be religious, but will also become a symbol of social and economic progress.'
Future Direction and Expectations
After the grand Janki temple and its extensive complex are completed, this area will become a major pilgrimage and tourist center. This will not only increase the number of devotees but will also provide employment to local artisans, businessmen, and people associated with tourism. Along with this, the culture, art, and traditions of the Mithila region will also get a new identity at the national and international level.
