Punoura Dham, located in the Sitamarhi district of Bihar, is considered the birthplace of Mata Sita. A grand Janki temple is now being constructed here on 67 acres of land. With the ground-breaking ceremony complete, the work has begun, and it will be built along the lines of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, promoting religious tourism.
Bihar: The construction of a magnificent Janki temple has commenced at Punoura Dham, considered the birthplace of Mata Sita. Recently, the foundation stone for the temple construction was laid here with due rituals in a ground-breaking ceremony. This temple will be built on approximately 67 acres of land, and its grandeur will be on par with the Ram Temple of Ayodhya. The local administration, devotees, and the saint community are enthusiastic about this historic undertaking. It is believed that this temple will prove to be a milestone in terms of religious tourism and regional development.
Punoura Dham: A Land of Faith Connected to the Treta Yuga
The name Punoura Dham evokes a deep sense of faith in Hinduism. It is believed that in the Treta Yuga, when King Janak of Mithila was plowing the land for a Yagya to alleviate famine in his region, the earth split open from the tip of the plow, and a girl emerged from it. That girl was Janki, whom we know today as Mata Sita. That is why Mata Sita is called 'Bhoomija' (earth-born), and this place is considered her birthplace.
The Naming of Sitamarhi is Also Linked to Sita
Popular belief holds that this region was named 'Sitamarhi' because Mata Sita appeared at this very place. This name still keeps the sacred memory of Mata Sita alive. Situated in Punoura village, this Dham has become a center of faith for thousands of devotees today, where a large number of people come for darshan every year during festivals like Ram Navami and Vivah Panchami.
Grand Janki Temple: The Next Pilgrimage Site After the Ram Temple
The construction of the grand Shri Ram temple in Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya is now nearing completion. After this, the focus of devotees is turning to Sita's birthplace. In this sequence, the Janki temple to be built in Punoura Dham can become a major religious pilgrimage site in the country in the times to come. The Janki temple has been conceptualized on the basis of modern architecture and Vedic Vastu Shastra. 67 acres of land have been earmarked for the construction of the temple, which will also have facilities like the main temple, a lake, a Yagyashala, a museum, a meditation center, and a Dharamshala.
Enthusiasm Among Local People, Tourism to Get a Boost
The construction of the Janki temple in Sitamarhi will not only strengthen religious significance, but this region will also emerge on the tourism map. This will strengthen the local economy and create new employment opportunities. There is great enthusiasm among the local people and businessmen regarding this project. It is expected that cooperation will be received at both governmental and private levels.
Beliefs Regarding the Birthplace of Mata Sita
There has been a difference in historical beliefs regarding the birthplace of Mata Sita between Janakpur (Nepal) and Punoura (Bihar). Janakpur has traditionally been considered the capital of Mithila, where King Janak's palace was located. While Punoura is the place where Mata Sita appeared from the earth. Based on modern research and local religious beliefs, efforts have now intensified to establish Punoura as the main birthplace.
400 km Ram-Janki Dham Yatra
The distance between Punoura Dham in Sitamarhi and Shri Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya is approximately 400 kilometers. Devotees are also seeing this distance as the Ram-Janki Marg or Path. Plans have emerged to develop a special religious travel route connecting the two pilgrimage sites, so that devotees can closely experience the life story of Ram and Sita.
