Amit Shah, Nitish Kumar Lay Foundation of Grand Sita Temple at Punaura Dham in Bihar

August 8, 2025 MTIMES 41 Views Amrit Bharat Express, Bhoomi Pujan, Bihar temple, Janaki Janmabhoomi, Mithilanchal, Nitish Kumar, Ram Mandir model, religious tourism in Bihar, Sita temple at Punaura Dham, Sitamarhi news 2 min read

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar will today inaugurate the construction of a magnificent Sita temple at Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi district, Bihar — revered as the birthplace of Goddess Sita.

The Bhoomi Pujan and foundation stone laying ceremony will be conducted this afternoon with Vedic mantras, led by scholars and priests from Banaras and Mithila. The temple, with an estimated cost of ₹883 crore, will be accompanied by an expansive complex to attract pilgrims from across India.

The Bihar government has earmarked 50 acres of land for the project, modeled after the Lord Ram Temple in Ayodhya. A dedicated trust, Shri Janaki Janmabhoomi Punaura Dham Mandir Nyas Samiti, has been formed to oversee the construction and management of the temple.

Historic Bhoomi Pujan for Sita Temple at Punaura Dham

Saints and seers from across the country — including Ayodhya, Kashi, Janakpur, and South India — have gathered to witness the grand ceremony. The temple premises are decorated with flowers, while soil from 21 holy sites and water from 31 sacred rivers have been brought for the rituals. Laddoos from Patna’s Mahavir Temple will be distributed among devotees.

Alongside the temple event, Amit Shah will virtually flag off the Sitamarhi–New Delhi Amrit Bharat Express, creating a direct rail link between the national capital and Sitamarhi through several important Bihar towns. The celebrations have brought a festive atmosphere to Sitamarhi, Janakpur, and the entire Mithilanchal region.

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