A day before Prime Minister Narendra Modi performs the historic flag hoisting atop the Ram Lalla Temple in Ayodhya on 25 November, another landmark development is set to unfold in Bihar. The construction of a grand Maa Janaki Temple will begin at Sitamarhi—recognized as the birthplace of Goddess Sita.
Tourism Minister Arun Shankar Prasad, after offering prayers at the Janaki Temple on Sunday, formally announced that construction work would commence from Monday, marking a significant milestone for the region.
A Temple as Majestic as Ayodhya’s Ram Lalla Shrine
Just as Ayodhya now hosts a magnificent Ram Temple, Sitamarhi too is set to witness the rise of an equally grand and architecturally extraordinary temple dedicated to Maa Sita.
On 8 August 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar jointly laid the foundation stone for the project.
The Bihar government has already acquired 67 acres of land for the temple and allocated an impressive ₹882 crore for its construction, symbolizing the state’s commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage.
Once completed, the temple is expected to attract devotees and tourists not only from across India but also from around the world—positioning Sitamarhi alongside Ayodhya as a major religious destination.
Integrated Development of a Cultural Heritage Zone
The tourism department has entrusted Design Associates Inc. with the responsibility of developing the entire cultural complex.
In addition to the main temple, the masterplan includes:
- A Parikrama Path
- Sita Vatika
- Lav-Kush Garden
- Janaki Mahotsav Area
- Artistically designed walls and mandaps
- Large-scale parking facilities
- Tourist amenities and hospitality zones
- A 3D animation show and digital kiosks depicting the life of Maa Janaki
The temple complex is located at Punaura Dham—the sacred site believed to be the birthplace of Maa Sita. Officials believe that the project will transform Sitamarhi’s economy by boosting tourism, generating large-scale employment, and accelerating urban development.
“A Dream Project of the Tourism Department”
Minister Arun Shankar Prasad, who visited Punaura Dham for the first time after assuming office, described the temple as a dream project of the tourism and culture department.
He inspected the temple premises, including the sacred Kunds, Rajat Dwar and Uruvija Kund, and received blessings from the temple’s Mahant Kaushal Kishore Das. The Mahant expressed his hope of witnessing the completion of the grand temple, similar to Ayodhya’s transformation.
The minister assured that:
“Land acquisition is complete, and boundary construction will begin immediately. Once financial processes are finalized, the work will accelerate. We aim to complete the temple within the stipulated timeline and place Sitamarhi prominently on the national and global tourism map.”
He added that under the NDA’s double-engine government, no project stalls, and all required facilities for visitors will be incorporated within the ₹882-crore plan.
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