The authority in District Sitamarhi in Bihar has initiated the process of acquiring 50 acres of land to enhance pilgrimage and tourism and construct infrastructure around Punaura Dham temple. In March, the state cabinet had granted in-principle approval for the land acquisition, prompting the state’s Department of Tourism and the district administration to commence the necessary procedures.

Today, a team from the tourism department led by Sitamarhi District Magistrate Richie Pandey conducted a site inspection of the temple. Approximately 50 ac of land were identified for acquisition, and the district land acquisition officer was instructed to take action accordingly.

Various officials including Abhijeet Kumar, the general manager of Bihar Tourism Development Corporation, and Vinod Prasad Singh, the district land acquisition officer, attended the inspection.

Currently, devotees and tourists visiting Ayodhya as part of the Ramayana Circuit make their way to Punaura Dham to pay homage to the birthplace of Janaki.

Furthermore, a national highway is being constructed to connect Ayodhya to Punaura Dham. The tourism department anticipates that the provision of improved facilities will attract a larger number of devotees and tourists to Punaura Dham.

The authority is planning several tourist infrastructures for the convenience of visitors. The department has approved a budget of Rs 72.47 crore for the development of Punaura Dham temple, which encompasses the development of the Parikrama Path, Sita Vatika, Luv-Kush Vatika, Janaki Mahotsav area, aesthetically adorned walls, parking facilities, and other tourist amenities.

These developments in Sitamarhi are expected to boost tourist numbers and generate revenue for the government. Additionally, they will create employment and business opportunities for the local population in the surrounding areas.

Sitamarhi in Hindu faith

Sitamarhi, situated in the Mithila region of Bihar, serves as the district headquarters of the Sitamarhi district in Tirhut Division. This city holds great significance as it was named after Sita of the Ramayana, believed to have been born in Sitamarhi. Lakshmi reincarnated as Sita to be with Rama, the seventh avatara of Vishnu, in the Treta Yuga.

Sitamarhi has a rich historical background, dating back to the time of the Ramayana. It is mentioned in the epic as the place where King Janaka discovered the divine presence of goddess Sita.

One of the prominent attractions in Sitamarhi is the temple dedicated to Sita, situated at Punaura Dham. Additionally, there is a rock-cut sanctuary from the Mauryan period near Sitamarhi.

Sita Kund in Sitamarhi is renowned for its thermal springs. Sita underwent the trial by fire, agnipariksha, and miraculously emerged from the other side unscathed. It is said that she then infused this internal heat into the spring water. On every full moon day of the month of Magha in the Hindu calendar, devotees make a pilgrimage to the hot springs.

The city of Sitamarhi hosts various cultural events throughout the year. Dumra organizes vibrant festivities for Rama Navami during the spring season. Janaki Sthan holds an annual ceremony commemorating the marriage of Ram and Sita. Furthermore, the winter festival of Sama Chakeva is celebrated in Sitamarhi, which honours the bond between brothers and sisters.

In 1875, a subdivision was established for Sitamarhi within the Muzaffarpur district. However, on 11 December 1972, Sitamarhi was separated from Muzaffarpur when it became an independent district. The district headquarters is now located in Dumra, which is approximately 5 km south of the main temple in Sitamarhi.

The town is located on the Nepal border and has frequently experienced the impact of natural calamities. Among these, excessive flooding caused by the mishandling of river banks by both the public and government authorities has been particularly devastating. The earthquake of 1934 nearly wiped out this town entirely.

How to reach

The Patna Airport, Bus Station, and Patna Railway Station provide convenient access to the place. It is approximately 150 km away from the Patna Junction Railway Station. Bus and taxi services are readily available at the Patna, Gulzarbagh, Patliputra, and Patna City railway stations.

Moreover, the place can be easily reached from the neighboring districts of Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, and East Champaran.

The temple is situated around 80 km from any of the following railway or bus stations: Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Madhubani, and Motihari.