Bihar Forms Trust to Oversee Construction of Grand Janaki Temple at Punaura Dham

In a significant step toward promoting religious tourism and preserving cultural heritage, the Bihar government has established a nine-member trust to oversee the construction of a grand temple dedicated to Maa Janaki (Goddess Sita) at Punaura Dham in the Sitamarhi district. This initiative aims to transform the region, traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Sita, into a major spiritual and tourism destination in line with models like the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.

Why in News?

The Bihar government issued a gazette notification on June 26, 2025, announcing the formation of the Shree Janaki Janm Bhumi Punaura Dham Mandir Nyas Samiti. This comes shortly after Chief Minister Nitish Kumar unveiled the final temple design on June 22 and announced its integration with broader infrastructure and religious tourism goals under the state’s development vision.

Key Highlights

• The trust will supervise construction and holistic development of Punaura Dham.
• Chief Secretary of Bihar will chair the trust; other members include top officials from tourism, urban development, and road construction.
• The project is expected to enhance religious tourism, generate local employment, and preserve cultural identity.

Composition of the Trust

• Chairperson: Chief Secretary of Bihar
• Vice-Chairperson: Development Commissioner
• Secretary: District Magistrate of Sitamarhi
• Treasurer: Deputy Development Commissioner (DDC), Sitamarhi

Other Members

• Mahant of Punaura Dham Mutt
• Officials from tourism, road construction, and housing departments
• Divisional Commissioner of Tirhut Division

Background and Development Vision

• Punaura Dham, located in Sitamarhi district, is considered the birthplace of Goddess Sita (Janaki).
• The government plans to model the Janaki Temple on a grand scale, similar to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, boosting the spiritual ecosystem of Bihar.
• The Chief Minister’s Pragati Yatra reaffirmed the pledge to integrate religious development with infrastructure and tourism growth.

Objectives and Significance

• Promote heritage tourism and spiritual awareness.
• Strengthen regional economy by increasing tourist footfall.
• Offer infrastructure upgrades, including roads, lodging, and public services around Punaura Dham.
• Enhance cultural identity and connect locals with Bihar’s mythological roots.