The Bihar government has taken a significant step towards promoting religious tourism and preserving cultural heritage by establishing a 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, believed to be the birthplace of Sita, into a major spiritual and tourism destination similar to the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
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
- 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 the 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.
Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams
- Bihar government establishes a trust for the construction of Janaki Temple at Punaura Dham.
- The trust aims to enhance religious tourism, generate employment, and preserve cultural heritage.
- The Janaki Temple project mirrors the model of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
- The development vision integrates religious growth with infrastructure and tourism goals.
