In a landmark event for the Mithilanchal region, Union Home Minister Mr. Amit Shah on Friday laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Janki Mandir at Punauradham, the revered birthplace of Goddess Sita. The ambitious project, valued at Rs. 882.87 crore, aims to transform the temple complex into a world-class spiritual and tourist destination, on the lines of Ayodhya’s Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir.
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The ceremony witnessed the presence of Bihar Chief Minister Mr. Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Samrat Choudhary, Union ministers, and other dignitaries, marking a historic milestone for the cultural renaissance of the region.
Grand Vision for the Temple Complex: 67 Acres of Spiritual and Cultural Development
The new Janki Mandir complex will span 67 acres — combining 17 acres of existing land with 50 acres of newly acquired land, the latter valued at Rs. 165.57 crore. The project will be executed by the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC), operating under a nine-member trust headed by the Chief Secretary of Bihar.
Fund Allocation:
- Rs. 137 crore for the restoration and development of the old temple and its surroundings
- Rs. 728 crore for the creation of tourism-related infrastructure
- Rs. 16 crore set aside for maintenance over the next 10 years
State-of-the-Art Facilities and Cultural Attractions
The redeveloped complex is set to feature:
- Parikrama Marg (Circumambulation Path)
- Yagya Pavilion
- Museum & Auditorium
- Sita Vatika and Luv-Kush Vatika
- Dharamshala for pilgrims
- Children’s play area & cafeteria
- Dedicated parking zones
- Modern amenities for devotees and tourists
Sacred Bhoomi Pujan: Offerings from Across the Nation
The bhoomi pujan was marked with deeply symbolic and sacred offerings:
- Soil from 21 holy pilgrimage sites
- Water from 31 rivers
- A silver urn from Jaipur
- Silver utensils for prayer rituals from Delhi
- Laddus from Tirupati Balaji Temple
These offerings represented a pan-Indian spiritual unity and sanctified the beginning of the redevelopment project.
Strengthening Spiritual Connectivity with Ayodhya
Mr. Shah emphasized that the site will be spiritually and physically connected to Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, through enhanced road and rail connectivity. He also virtually flagged off the Sitamarhi–New Delhi Amrit Bharat Express, strengthening Bihar’s connectivity with major spiritual and urban centres.
‘Historic Day for Mithilanchal’: Tourism Minister Mr. Raju Kumar Singh
Bihar Tourism Minister Mr. Raju Kumar Singh hailed the initiative as a historic moment for the people of Mithilanchal, stating that the project marks the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
He added, “This redevelopment is not just about infrastructure; it is about reviving our deep-rooted traditions and giving the next generation a world-class spiritual centre that reflects the glory of Goddess Sita’s birthplace.”
A Cultural Renaissance in the Making
With the government’s full backing and nationwide spiritual participation, the redevelopment of Janki Mandir at Punauradham promises to transform Sitamarhi into a prominent national and international destination for pilgrims, tourists, and cultural enthusiasts alike — preserving its ancient legacy while embracing modernity.
