Punaura Dham

In July 2025, the Bihar Cabinet approved ₹882.87 crore for a grand new temple complex dedicated to Goddess Sita at Punaura Dham, to be built across 67 acres. The plan centres on a 159-foot-tall temple, among the tallest proposed in the state. On 8 August 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone for the project, joined by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary. The Bihar government has formed the Shree Janaki Janm Bhumi Punaura Dham Mandir Nyas Samiti, chaired by the state's Chief Secretary, to oversee construction, which is expected to be completed by 2028. Punaura Dham remains open to visitors as usual while construction progresses in phases.

इतिहास / History

According to the Ramayana, King Janak found infant Sita in a furrow while ploughing this field for a yajna, and raised her as his daughter — hence her name Janaki. Saint Pundrik's ashram once stood here. The Bihar government has announced plans to develop the site into a spiritual city named "Sitapuram", and a new 159-ft Janaki Janmasthali Mandir is under construction across 67 acres, built in Makrana marble with parikrama paths, gardens and pilgrim facilities.

कैसे पहुँचें / How to Reach

6 km from Sitamarhi Railway Station and Bus Stand via local auto or e-rickshaw; well connected by road from Sitamarhi town on NH-77.