Sitamarhi: Inspired by the grandeur of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya, a magnificent Mata Janaki Temple will soon be constructed at Punauradham in Sitamarhi, believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita. With a sanctioned budget of ₹882 crore, the temple complex will not only serve as a place of worship but also as a cultural and spiritual hub celebrating the legacy of Mithila and the life of Mata Sita.
The blueprint for the temple has been prepared, and construction is set to begin with a foundation stone ceremony in August 2025. The project is being implemented by the Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation (BSTDC).
Grand Museum and Cultural Complex Planned
A significant highlight of the project is a vast museum within the temple complex, which will narrate the life events of Mata Sita — from her birth, marriage, and exile to her time in Valmiki Ashram. The complex will also house a Veda Pathshala and library to promote ancient Vedic knowledge.
A Mata Janaki Kund Ghat is proposed behind the temple, while a Yagya Mandap, Anushthan Mandap, Sita Rasoi, and Prasad Bhog Sthal will support religious rituals and daily offerings. The temple will also feature a pilgrims’ dharamshala and facilitation center to accommodate the expected influx of national and international visitors.
Mithila Haat, Auditorium, and Folk Art Promotion
To highlight the folk culture of Mithila, a Mithila Haat will be developed within the temple campus. This space will showcase Madhubani paintings, traditional crafts, and performances by local artists. An auditorium and a Bhajan Sandhya venue will also be constructed to host devotional and cultural programs.
Separate rest areas for priests, temple staff, and pilgrims are part of the design, along with a food court and cafeteria for visitors.
Land Acquisition and Infrastructure Development
Initially, 17 acres of land were available under the Bihar State Religious Trust Council, but considering the expanded scale of the project, the state government approved the acquisition of an additional 50 acres with a separate allocation of ₹120 crore.
Security and infrastructure will be top priorities, with plans for police booths, a fire station, watch towers, and guard rooms. The outer premises will be beautified with landscaping, plantations, shaded walkways, benches, drinking water facilities, and stormwater drainage systems. Roads, parking, and rainwater harvesting systems will also be integrated.
Temple Complex Inner Layout Includes:
- Mata Janaki Kund Ghat
- Yagya and Anushthan Mandap
- Prasad Bhog Kitchen and Sita Rasoi
- Veda Pathshala and Library
- Saint and Priest Residences
- Pilgrim Facilitation Center and Rest Houses
- Cafeteria, Food Court, and Staff Canteen
- Museum, Auditorium, Bhajan Sandhya Sthal, and Bhandara
- Mithila Haat and Cultural Stage
- Temple Trust and Administration Office
- Covered Corridors, Toilets, and Drinking Water Points
- Security Infrastructure: Police Booth, Fire Station, Guard Room, Watch Tower
Outer Complex Infrastructure Includes:
- Temple Courtyard and Gateway
- Pathways, Parking, and Road Construction
- Landscaping, Tree Plantation, Benches, and Stormwater Drainage
- Boundary Wall and Underground Water Storage
Once completed, the Mata Janaki Temple in Punauradham is expected to become a major pilgrimage and tourist attraction, offering a rich blend of devotion, culture, heritage, and learning, while significantly boosting the local economy and promoting Mithila art and traditions.
