Patna, April 25 (IANS) Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday inaugurated the grand Janaki Mahotsav at Punaura Dham on the occasion of Janaki Navami in Sitamarhi district.
A large gathering of devotees and residents attended this occasion.
On the auspicious occasion, the Chief Minister made several key announcements, the most notable being that the medical college currently under construction in Sitamarhi will be named “Maa Sita Medical College.”
The announcement was met with loud applause and enthusiasm from the audience.
Addressing the gathering, Samrat Choudhary expressed deep reverence, stating that he considers his elevation to the post of Chief Minister as a blessing of Goddess Sita.
“On the auspicious occasion of Janaki Navami, I offered prayers and sought the blessings of Goddess Sita at the Punauradham Temple in Sitamarhi—the sacred site of her divine manifestation. This holy shrine stands as a symbol of our faith, culture, and glorious heritage,” Choudhary said.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to regional development, the Chief Minister emphasised that Sitamarhi would be further developed from both religious and tourism perspectives.
“The NDA government is rapidly advancing the construction of a grand and divine temple dedicated to Goddess Sita at Punauradham, alongside the development of a corridor equipped with modern amenities. I held a review meeting regarding these religious development works with senior political leaders and administrative officials. This sacred site is poised to emerge as a major spiritual and tourism hub for devotees from both within the country and abroad,” he said.
The city was filled with a festive atmosphere throughout the day, with several religious and cultural programs organised to mark the occasion.
Punaura Dham is widely regarded as the birthplace of Goddess Janaki (Sita), making it a site of immense religious significance.
The Government of India has already announced the ambitious Ram-Janki Ramayan Corridor connecting Ayodhya and Sitamarhi.
Additionally, a 256-km railway doubling project, estimated at Rs 4,563 crore, has been approved, and an expressway is also being developed to improve connectivity between these two prominent religious destinations.
The Bihar government had earlier initiated plans to acquire 50 acres of land to enhance tourist facilities and infrastructure around the Punaura Dham temple.
Since assuming office, the Chief Minister has been actively visiting major religious sites.
Before taking the oath, he visited the Hanuman Temple at Rajvanshi Nagar in Patna, followed by Takht Sri Harimandir Sahib in Patna City.
He also paid visits to Harihar Nath Temple in Saran district and Baidyanath Dham temple in Jharkhand’s Deoghar district.
–IANS
ajk/dan