Muzaffarpur: Bihar is expanding its tourism infrastructure with a new plan focused on Muzaffarpur’s Manika Man Lake, Baba Garibnath Temple and other prominent religious sites.
The Tourism Department has started development work at Manika Man, while plans are also being prepared to improve several temples and connect them through a wider religious tourism network.
Manika Man To Become A New Tourist Destination
Located in Mushahari, Manika Man Lake covers 124.26 acres and is known for its natural surroundings and relatively peaceful environment.
The development plan includes boating, motor boats and a floating jetty, along with restaurants and picnic areas. Facilities aimed at promoting local art, culture and employment are also being planned, with the site proposed along the lines of Dilli Haat and the Jubba Sahni Art Gallery.
Work on the tourism development project is already underway, with the possibility of visitors being able to use the upgraded facilities from next year, subject to completion of the work.
Baba Garibnath Temple Gets Corridor-Style Development
The Baba Garibnath Temple is also being developed with improved tourism and pilgrim facilities.
The first phase of the Baba Garibnath Corridor has an estimated cost of Rs 5.03 crore, with a 12-month completion period. The plan includes a grand entrance gate near Chhata Bazaar and Makhan Sah Chowk and beautification of the temple’s outer area.
The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation has already initiated the tender process for the first phase of the corridor project.
More Temples In Tourism Plans
The Tourism Department is also working on plans to develop Baba Ganinath Temple in BBganj and Baba Khageshwarnath Temple in Bandra as tourist attractions.
The district administration has been asked to conduct surveys and submit reports for the proposed development. A land-related survey for Baba Ganinath Temple has already been completed and submitted to the Additional Collector, Revenue.
Baba Garibnath Temple, Baba Khageshwarnath Temple and Bhairav Sthan Temple in Aurai are also being proposed for inclusion in a Shiv Circuit, according to the report.
Khageshwarnath Temple’s Religious Significance
Baba Khageshwarnath Temple is associated with a local religious tradition linked to the Ramayana period.
According to the belief associated with the temple, Lord Shiva is said to have resolved Garuda’s doubt during the episode involving Lord Ram and Lakshman being bound by the Nagpash. The temple is also associated with a distinctive red Shiva lingam that devotees believe appeared naturally.
Tourism To Combine Nature And Pilgrimage
The proposed development is intended to bring together leisure tourism at Manika Man and religious tourism around Muzaffarpur’s temples.
With boating, food and picnic facilities planned at the lake and improved infrastructure being developed around major temples, the projects could provide visitors with a combination of recreational and pilgrimage experiences.
The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation’s current tender listings also include the Baba Garib Nath Corridor in Muzaffarpur, confirming that the temple development is part of the state’s ongoing tourism infrastructure programme.
