PATNA: In a significant step towards enhancing Bihar’s religious tourism, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced on Sunday that the final design for the grand Janaki temple at Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi has been approved. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Sita—revered as Jagat Janani Maa Janaki and believed to have been born at this sacred site.

📢 Official Announcement

• Bihar CM Nitish Kumar announced the finalisation of the temple design on Sunday.
• The announcement was made on social media platform X, along with design visuals of the temple complex.
• A dedicated trust has been formed to accelerate construction and manage development.

🛕 Religious & Cultural Significance

• Punaura Dham, located in Sitamarhi, Bihar, is believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita (Janaki), the central female figure in the Hindu epic Ramayana.
• The temple is also referred to as Janaki Janmasthan, a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus.
• Sita is revered as an embodiment of purity, strength, and devotion, making the site a spiritual and cultural landmark.

🏗 Temple Design & Infrastructure Plans

• The grand temple will rise to a height of 151 feet, echoing the scale and architectural grandeur of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
• The design includes:
• Spacious walkways for smooth movement of devotees.
• Extensive green landscaping to enhance the spiritual atmosphere.
• A large lake, traditionally believed to aid pregnancy and fertility.
• Preservation and integration of Panth Pakar, associated with Sita’s wedding rituals.

🗺 Connectivity & Accessibility

• The Ram-Janaki Marg project is underway to connect Ayodhya (UP) and Sitamarhi (Bihar) via a dedicated road route.
• CM Nitish Kumar has requested the central government to:
• Speed up construction of the Ram-Janaki Marg.
• Introduce a Vande Bharat Express service between Ayodhya and Sitamarhi for improved religious tourism access.

💰 Financial & Administrative Support

• In December 2024, the Bihar state cabinet approved ₹120.58 crore for:
• Land acquisition of over 50 acres surrounding the existing temple.
• Building the temple complex and associated facilities.
• The Mahavir Mandir Trust, Patna, is responsible for overseeing the construction.
• The architectural and master planning is being handled by M/s Design Associates INC., Noida, a reputed consultancy firm.

🧭 Vision for Development

• The entire initiative aims to:
• Transform Punaura Dham into a major religious tourism hub.
• Showcase Bihar’s spiritual and mythological heritage.
• Attract national and international pilgrims, particularly those following the Ramayana Trail.

📌 Additional Features & Visitor Experience

• The site will include:
• Rest areas, amenities, and devotional spaces for pilgrims.
• A visitor interpretation centre explaining the significance of Sita’s life and Punaura Dham.
• Spaces for festivals, rituals, and Ramayana-based events.
• Enhanced transport, lighting, and sanitation infrastructure for year-round visitation.