Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary offered prayers at the Punauradham temple in Sitamarhi on Saturday, describing the birthplace of Mother Janaki as an important part of the state’s religious and cultural heritage.
Amid Vedic chants, Chaudhary performed traditional worship and prayed for peace, happiness and prosperity in Bihar. He also installed idols of Lord Ram and Mother Sita at a newly constructed temporary wooden pavilion, or Kashta Mandapam, within the temple complex.
Temple Complex To Be Completed By 2028
During his visit, the chief minister reviewed the progress of the grand temple complex under construction at Punauradham.
Officials used a model of the proposed complex to brief him on its various components, including the main temple, enclosure wall (parkota), Yajna Mandap, ritual pavilion, residence for the head priest, museum, auditorium and Mahila Haat.
The project will also include facilities intended to improve the experience of pilgrims visiting the site.
Chaudhary said construction of the temple complex would be completed by December 31, 2028, after which Mother Janaki would be consecrated in the grand temple.
He said the comprehensive development of Punauradham was a priority for the state government and would improve facilities for pilgrims while giving a boost to religious and spiritual tourism.
The development, he added, could also create employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity in the surrounding area.
Bajjika And Sikki Art On Display
The chief minister also visited a craft exhibition at the temple premises showcasing Bajjika and Sikki art.
He reviewed works created by local artisans and took note of the region’s traditional crafts and artistic heritage.
A large number of devotees gathered at Punauradham during the visit and welcomed the chief minister. Representatives of the temple management presented him with a bouquet, Angavastra and a memento.
Among those present were Union minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), Industries and Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh, Tourism Minister Kedar Prasad Gupta, Social Welfare Minister Shweta Gupta, MP Devesh Chandra Thakur, several MLAs and senior state government and police officials, including Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit and Director General of Police Vinay Kumar.
