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Bihar Forms Trust for Construction of Grand Janaki Mandir at Punaura Dham.

National | Dated: 29 Jun 2025

On June 26, 2025, the Bihar government constituted a nine‑member trust named “Shree Janaki Janmabhoomi Punaura Dham Mandir Nyas Samiti” to oversee the comprehensive development and construction of a grand temple dedicated to Goddess Sita at her mythical birthplace, Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi district.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - Chief Secretary of Bihar has been appointed as the Chairman of the trust, with the Development Commissioner serving as Vice‑Chairman, and the District Magistrate and Deputy Development Commissioner of Sitamarhi acting as Secretary and Treasurer, respectively. The remaining five trust members include key officials and the Mahanth (head priest) of the local math, ensuring a blend of administrative and spiritual oversight.
  • - Chief Minister Nitish Kumar shared the final architectural design on June 22, 2025, revealing that a Noida-based firm—previously associated with the Ayodhya Ram Mandir project—will develop the master plan. The temple is envisioned on a grand scale, drawing design inspiration from the Ram Mandir at Ayodhya.
  • - The State Cabinet allocated approximately ₹120 crore for initial development, with around 17 acres already designated at Punaura Dham. An additional 50 acres are being acquired, expanding the total temple campus to nearly 67 acres, incorporating a mandir, gardens, parikrama path, parking, cafeterias, exhibition space and more.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) A 3D model and portal system are being developed to facilitate online public contributions, enabling devotees worldwide to donate. The temple’s foundation stone was laid on December 13, 2023, and the trust aims to complete the ambitious construction within 24 months. Inauguration is expected by August 2025.
  • (ii) Punaura Dham draws lakhs of pilgrims annually, including international visitors from Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh. The new temple complex is expected to enhance religious tourism, connect Mithila culturally to Ayodhya, and contribute significantly to regional economic development.
  • (iii) This trust-based approach ensures coordinated oversight of design, funding, and implementation. With high-level administrative leadership, expert architectural planning, and robust public engagement strategies, the project aims to replicate the success of Ayodhya's Ram Mandir—transforming Punaura Dham into a vibrant spiritual destination.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, which Indian state formed a trust to oversee the construction of the Grand Janaki Mandir at Punaura Dham?

Correct Answer: Bihar

🚀 Quick Recap:

About Bihar

  • Chief minister: Nitish Kumar
  • Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan