Gandhinagar/Patna: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday announced the construction of a grand Maa Janaki temple in Mithila, underscoring its significance as the birthplace of Sita and a symbol of Indian culture. Speaking at the ‘Shashwat Mithila Mahotsav-2025’ in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Shah said the temple would serve as an inspiration for women across the world.
Addressing a gathering that included Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Kumar Jha, Shah praised the contributions of the Mithila region and its people to India’s intellectual and democratic traditions. He stated that Mithila had been a hub of scholars, debates, and philosophical discourses since the times of the Mahabharata and Ramayana.
“The land of Mithila has been the birthplace of great minds such as Yagyavalkya, Rishi Gautam, and Mandan Mishra,” Shah said. He credited the region for shaping India’s philosophical landscape, highlighting that four of the six major schools of Indian philosophy—Sankhya, Nyaya, Mimansa, and Vaisheshika—originated there.
Shah also emphasised Mithila’s role in upholding democratic values, citing historical references to the region’s governance system. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that India is the mother of democracy. But before India, democracy flourished in Videha and Mithila,” he asserted.
Addressing the role of women in Mithila’s history, Shah spoke about figures such as Maitreyi, Gargi, and Bharti, who played pivotal roles in shaping intellectual discourse. He recounted the philosophical debate between Adi Shankaracharya and Mandan Mishra, which was presided over by Bharti.
The home minister also acknowledged the contribution of the Mithila community to Gujarat’s development, stating that people from the region were safe, respected, and welcomed in the state. He noted that a new building constructed in Gandhinagar would cater to the needs of the Mithila community and that a statue of Mahakavi Vidyapati had been installed as a tribute to the legendary poet.
Shah’s announcement regarding the Maa Janaki temple is expected to hold political and cultural significance, especially in Bihar, where the BJP has been working to strengthen its support base ahead of upcoming Assembly elections.
