Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday announced that the construction of the Maa Janaki temple at Punaura Dham in the Sitamarhi district will be completed by December 31, 2028. Chairing a meeting to review the temple's construction and developmental works in the area, Choudhary also stated that the proposed new township near Sitamarhi will be named 'Sitapuram'.
The review meeting was held at the Punaura Dham temple complex. During the review, the Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure the completion of the Mata Janaki temple by the stipulated deadline under all circumstances. He emphasized that the temple construction work should be carried out efficiently and with full attention. Choudhary also said that all places associated with the life of Mata Sita should be connected to Punaura Dham, allowing devotees to stay for a few days and explore the site.
During the meeting, District Magistrate Richi Pandey informed the Chief Minister that soil testing and survey work have been completed, while barricading work is ongoing. The 'Garbha Griha' and 'Kund' of the Punaura Dham temple complex will also be developed, she added. Choudhary noted that one of the first cabinet decisions of his government was to build the Sitapuram township, as announced by former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Later, the Chief Minister inaugurated the 'Sitamarhi Mahotsav-2026' at Punaura Dham on the occasion of Janaki Navami by lighting a lamp. Speaking on the occasion, Choudhary recalled that when Maa Janaki was born, heavy rainfall occurred in the area, and it continued to rain during the Bhoomi Pujan. He mentioned that former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had decided to build a state-of-the-art hospital here, and construction work is underway. The hospital will be named 'Maa Sita Medical College'.
The Chief Minister also participated in the 'Shila Pujan' ceremony organized for the renovation of the ancient Shri Ram Janaki Math located at Raghopur Bakhri in Dumra block of Sitamarhi district. He attended the ceremony organized by the Ramayana Research Council and offered prayers at the 'Garbha Griha' of Shri Ram Janaki Math, praying for the prosperity and well-being of Bihar. During this, the Chief Minister also performed 'Shila Pujan'.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone for the comprehensive redevelopment of the Maa Janaki temple at Punaura Dham on August 8 last year. The project, with an estimated cost of nearly Rs 890 crore, aims to develop the site as a major pilgrimage destination, often described as a counterpart to the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Meanwhile, Janki Janmotsav was celebrated in Sitamarhi with much fanfare and fervour on Saturday, with 'Shobha Yatra' and 'Nishan Yatra' taken out at several places. The town wore a festive look with elaborate decorations and glimpses of Treta Yug, while temples were adorned with flowers and lights. The Rajat Dwar Maa Janki temple in Sitamarhi town and the Punaura Dham temple complex emerged as major attractions for pilgrims, as devotees from across India and Nepal, particularly from Janakpur Dham, gathered to celebrate Janki Navami.
