Nitish Kumar Unveils Design of Maa Janaki Janmabhoomi Temple in Sitamarhi
The most-awaited design of the Maa Janaki Janmabhoomi Temple has been released by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. It will be built at Mata Sita’s birthplace in Sitamarhi specifically at Punaura Dham. This is a matter of extreme happiness for every Bihari that now the birthplace of Mata Sita will also be getting a grand temple. It will be further connected to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir circuit to make it more accessible for devotees.
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Design and Features of Maa Janaki Janmabhoomi Temple
Nitish Kumar shared the proposed design on social media platform X. The Maa Janaki Janmabhoomi Temple campus will be spread across 57 acres. The design has a multi-tiered temple structure, a towering and a grand entrance. The temple will feature a 251-feet tall statue of Mata Sita.
As per the visuals, the temple complex will also house a redeveloped Janaki Kund, mandapas (temple porches), an administrative block, and amenities for pilgrims. The surrounding areas will be beautified accordingly.
Investment and Land Acquisition for Maa Janaki Janmabhoomi Temple
₹143 crores have been already sanctioned for the development of Punaura Dham. These funds will be used in acquiring 50 acres of land round the existing temple area. The total cost required for the complete construction of the Maa Janaki Janmabhoomi Temple is estimated to be at least ₹600 crore.
This project is one of the most important religious infrastructure projects undertaken by the Bihar government in the recent times. This will also enhance the economic activities in the Sitamarhi region similar to the economic boom in Ayodhya after the inauguration of Ram Mandir.
Role of the Trust and Construction Timeline
A dedicated temple trust is overseeing the construction process. The foundation stone was laid on 13 December 2023, but the construction begin in early 2025.
The same construction agency that built the Ram Temple in Ayodhya will also build this temple, and they are doing the work completely free of cost, as an act of devotion. Although an exact timeline has not been announced yet, the construction is expected to be completed by 2027.
Spiritual Significance of Punaura Dham
The Punaura Dham is a very important place in Hindu belief as this is the birthplace of Mata Sita. The existing Maa Janaki Janma Stahli is already a very famous pilgrimage spot for devotees.
Once upon a time, there were drought-like conditions in Raja Janak’s kingdom (Mata Sita’s father). The people of Mithila were deeply troubled and kept praying to Indra Dev, the god of rain, but nothing worked. So now, they turned to Raja Janak and requested him to plough the fields himself, hoping this act of humility would please the gods. While doing so, his plough hit something hard beneath the surface. When the land was dug at the spot, a golden casket was found, and inside it was a divine baby girl.
This was the place now known as Punaura Dham, in Bihar’s Sitamarhi district. The child was named Sita, a name derived from the word “Seet” (सीत) because she was found due to the the Seet i.e. the front, pointed part of the plough used to cut the soil. King Janak adopted her and she was raised as the princess of Mithila kingdom.
The historical significance of this site clubbed with the grand temple will attract lakhs of devotees per year especially during the times of major festivals like Ram Navami and Vivah Panchami. The demand for the Maa Janaki Janmabhoomi Temple was long-pending and the Bihar government has taken a lot of time in its construction. But now with the final designs being released we can expect faster development.
Conclusion
The Maa Janaki Janmabhoomi Temple at Punaura Dham is a matter of pride for not only Biharis but Indians as well. The long-pending desire of honoring the divine legacy of Goddess Sita’s birthplace will finally be fulfilled now. It will also elevate Bihar’s place on the spiritual tourism map of India.
If you missed our earlier report on the Patna’s famous Mahavir Mandir, you can read it here.
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