- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Mon, 21 Jul 2025 11:30 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Bihar government on Monday presented the Bihar Hindu Religious Trust (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 in the Assembly, paving the way for a major revamp of the historic Janaki Temple in Punauradham, Sitamarhi.
Under the ordinance, the current temple trust will be dissolved, and full responsibility for the temple’s development and administration will be handed over to a new committee formed by the state government.
This proposed committee will comprise eminent individuals and will be tasked with overseeing the temple’s development, including management of land, assets, and religious affairs. The existing Mahant of the trust will be retained as a member of the new committee, but all other officials will cease to hold their positions once the ordinance comes into effect.
Citing limited progress in Punauradham so far, the state aims to develop the site along the lines of Ayodhya Dham. The temple complex will be positioned as a key destination under the Ramayana Circuit, with plans for religious and tourism infrastructure on a national scale.
The government has been empowered to issue binding directions to the committee, reconstitute it when necessary, and revise the development plan to ensure proper implementation. The committee will also be required to submit periodic progress reports to the state government.
This move is seen as a significant step toward transforming Punauradham into a major spiritual and tourism hub, while aligning development with devotees’ sentiments and cultural heritage.