Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday shared the design of the upcoming Janaki Mandir at Punaura Dham near Sitamarhi district, believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita. The Chief Minister also announced the constitution of a temple trust to expedite the construction and redevelopment work at Punaura Dham, which has been underway since December 2023.
Sharing the news on social media, Nitish said, “It gives us immense pleasure to announce that the design for the comprehensive development of Punaura Dham, Sitamarhi, the birthplace of Mother Sita, is now complete. The design includes a grand temple and other structures, which we are sharing with you. A trust has also been formed to expedite the construction process. We are committed to completing the construction of the grand temple at Punaura Dham, Sitamarhi, soon. The construction of the magnificent temple is a matter of pride and good fortune for all of us, the people of Bihar.”
Nitish’s announcement comes three months after Union Home Minister Amit Shah promised at an Ahmedabad event that a grand Sita temple will be constructed soon in Sitamarhi. Bihar government sources said most part of construction and revamp of the temple will be over before the state Assembly polls, due this October-November.
The temple design shows the main temple, Sita kund (pond) with cemented stairs on all four sides, a big hall for meditation and a visiting area. All connecting roads to the pilgrim site are also being developed. Besides, thematic gates and parking areas are being constructed around the pilgrim site.
In September 2023, when Nitish’s JD(U) was a part of the INDIA bloc, he had announced a development plan for the Sita Mandir at Punaura Dham, 6 km from Sitamarhi, and had sought the Centre’s help in its construction. On December 13, 2023, he laid the foundation stone for the overall development of Punaura Dham Janki Mandir.
When Nitish returned to the NDA fold in January 2024, the government stressed that the Janaki Mandir would be a part of the upcoming Ramayana circuit, connecting Ayodhya to Sitamarhi and Janakpuri.
