Rebirth of a Holy Site: Bihar's ₹882 Cr. Vision for Punaura Dham

The Bihar government has approved a comprehensive ₹882.87 crore development plan for Punaura Dham Janki Mandir in Sitamarhi district, revered as the birthplace of Goddess Sita. The approval was granted during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.

As per the proposal by the Tourism Department:

₹137 crore will be allocated for the renovation of the existing temple

₹728 crore will be used to develop tourism infrastructure

The remaining funds will cover maintenance over a 10-year period

The project is inspired by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi complex in Ayodhya and will include the construction of a grand temple, Sita Vatika, Luv-Kush Vatika, parikrama paths, thematic entry gates, digital display kiosks, cafeteria, children’s play areas, and upgraded access roads and parking facilities.

The foundation stone is scheduled to be laid in August 2025, and Design Associates—the architectural consultant behind Ayodhya’s Ram Mandir—has been appointed for the project.

Punaura Dham attracts a large number of domestic and international pilgrims each year and is set to become a major spiritual and cultural tourism hub with this initiative.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.