Ram Mandir vs Sita Mandir: Bihar to develop Sita's birth site in Sitamarhi to counter BJP's Ayodhya 'temple agenda'
Punaura Dham, a renowned Hindu pilgrimage site situated in the Sitamarhi district, holds significance as the birthplace of Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. Each year, numerous pilgrims visit this sacred site to pay their respects to the deity.
Political analysts suggest that this decision aims to counter the BJP's «temple agenda» and attract Hindu voters, signaling a potentially crucial development in the state's political landscape.
The decision to enhance this pilgrimage site, located approximately 150 km north of Patna, was taken during a recent state cabinet meeting, following a proposal by the state tourism department, led by Deputy Chief Minister Tejashwi Yadav.
«The cabinet has approved an allocation of Rs 72.47 crore for the comprehensive development of Punaura Dham temple in Sitamarhi district.
This marks a significant project,» stated S Siddhartha, Additional Chief Secretary of the cabinet secretariat department. The project encompasses the development of 'Sita Vatika,' 'Luv-Kush Vatika,' a cafeteria, landscaping, pathways, and the organization of animation shows, among other initiatives.
According to legend, during a severe famine in Mithila, the priest advised King Janak to plough a field, and from the earth emerged an earthen pot containing an infant Mother Sita.
In response to this, the BJP has criticized the Grand Alliance, questioning the timing of their interest in developing the temple.
State BJP spokesperson Manoj Sharma said, «This temple has existed there for years. Why didn't Nitish Kumar show interest in developing it earlier?» He accused the ruling coalition of imitating the BJP.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that the Ram temple in Ayodhya will be open for devotees by mid-January next year, with
