Punaura Dham
The Contested and Highly Revered Birthplace: Punaura Dham is one of the two most important and celebrated sites in Sitamarhi—along with Janaki Sthan—to be revered as the birthplace (Janmasthali) of Goddess Sita (Maa Janaki). The legend states that King Janaka found infant Sita in an earthen pot while ploughing a field to alleviate a severe famine, and Punaura Dham is believed to be the exact spot of this divine emergence. The site is named after the Vedic sage Pundrik, who had an ashram here, giving it the name Punaura (from Pundrik Village). This temple complex, which includes the Janaki Kund (Sita Kund) is the focus of a massive redevelopment project, with the government approving hundreds of crores for a grand new Janaki Mandir on the lines of the Ayodhya Ram Mandir. This ambitious project aims to transform it into a world-class pilgrimage hub, solidifying its place as a key site on the Ramayana Circuit and a major symbol of Hindu faith and heritage.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1. 5 Hours to 2. 5 Hours:Place Type:
Grand Pilgrimage Center and Cultural Hub:Entry Fees:
Focus on Revenue Generation and Development:Entry to the existing temple is Free. However, the trust has introduced nominal fees for services to generate revenue for the grand development project, such as parking fees and potentially a photography fee in designated areas, w...Focus on Revenue Generation and Development:Entry to the existing temple is Free. However, the trust has introduced nominal fees for services to generate revenue for the grand development project, such as parking fees and potentially a photography fee in designated areas, which yield millions annually. The new complex, once complete, may have different access protocols, but the central spiritual entry is likely to remain free. Pilgrims are expected to contribute generously to the massive Rs.882. 87 crore developmental budget through donation boxes and specialized contribution schemes to support the construction of the new temple and its associated infrastructure. :Timing:
Regular Timings:Typically open from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, with a possible brief closure in the afternoon. Ideal Visit Time (Construction Avoidance)Given the ongoing construction, the best time for a peaceful visit is the Early Morning (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM), which allows ...Regular Timings:Typically open from 4:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, with a possible brief closure in the afternoon. Ideal Visit Time (Construction Avoidance)Given the ongoing construction, the best time for a peaceful visit is the Early Morning (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM), which allows for quiet darshan before the construction activities pick up pace.
Festival Timings:During major festivals, the temple remains open much longer, sometimes for 24 hours, but expects extremely long queues. :Special Events:
Janaki Navami:The most significant festival, celebrating the birth of Sita Mata in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March/April), attracting the largest crowds of the year for special pujas and processions.
Ram Navami:A major celebration for the ...Janaki Navami:The most significant festival, celebrating the birth of Sita Mata in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March/April), attracting the largest crowds of the year for special pujas and processions.
Ram Navami:A major celebration for the birthday of Lord Rama.
Vivaha Panchami:Celebrated in the Agrahayana month (November/December) to commemorate the wedding of Rama and Sita, with festivities linking the site to Janakpur in Nepal. :Best Photo Spots:
The New Temple Blueprint:Capturing the architectural renderings and models of the proposed grand temple, symbolizing hope and the future of the site.
The Existing Temple's Old Charm:A photo of the current, century-old temple, capturing its q...The New Temple Blueprint:Capturing the architectural renderings and models of the proposed grand temple, symbolizing hope and the future of the site.
The Existing Temple's Old Charm:A photo of the current, century-old temple, capturing its quiet, traditional spiritual energy before the large-scale construction dominates the area.
The Sacred Janaki Kund:Pictures of the pond and its ghats, especially if any rituals are being performed, to show the living tradition of the site.
Panoramic View of the Complex:A wide shot of the entire complex from an elevated point (if available) to convey the scale of the Dham and the surrounding landscape. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Darshan of Sita and Rama:The main activity is to take Darshan (sacred viewing) of the deities in the existing temple and offer prayers. Circumambulation (Parikrama) Walk the existing or proposed Parikrama Path around the temple complex. Visiting the Janaki Kund (Sita Kund) Perform rituals or simply meditate at the sacred pond, believed to be the spot where King Janaka was ploughing.
Exploring the Future Site: Observe the ongoing development and read the signboards detailing the blueprints of the massive upcoming temple complex.
Sita Rasoi Visit: Utilize or observe the community meal service, which is a significant act of service offered to the pilgrims.
Attending Discourses: Participate in any religious discourses or bhajans that may be taking place in the comp...
Information
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Why Famous:
Focus of Major National Religious Tourism Initiative:Its primary fame comes from being widely accepted and promoted as the Janmasthali by the state and central governments, with a massive Rs.882. 87 crore developmental budget approved to create a grand temple complex. This political and cultural back...Focus of Major National Religious Tourism Initiative:Its primary fame comes from being widely accepted and promoted as the Janmasthali by the state and central governments, with a massive Rs.882. 87 crore developmental budget approved to create a grand temple complex. This political and cultural backing has propelled it into a site of national importance, attracting pilgrims and tourists globally. Unlike the older, quieter Janaki Sthan, Punaura is being envisioned as a beacon of Hindu faith and a central node in the Ramayana Tourism Circuit, similar to Ayodhya. It is one of the few places where Goddess Sita is worshipped independently, which further enhances its special status and draw for devotees. : -
Architecture:
Traditional Temple and Grand Redevelopment Plan:The existing temple is a modest structure, roughly a century old, but the site's future is defined by the new, grand project.
Architectural Design and Dimension:The proposed grand Janaki Janmas...Traditional Temple and Grand Redevelopment Plan:The existing temple is a modest structure, roughly a century old, but the site's future is defined by the new, grand project.
Architectural Design and Dimension:The proposed grand Janaki Janmasthali Mandir is being designed by the same consultant involved in the Ayodhya Ram Mandir and will use excellent Makrana stone. The design follows traditional Indian Temple Architecture, incorporating elements of Mithila and North Indian styles. The master plan for the 67-acre campus includes a massive temple complex, a large Parikrama Path, a museum, a Yatri Niwas (pilgrim house), Sita Vatika, Luv Kush Vatika, and a renovated Janaki Kund ghat. The temple is designed to have a central sanctum for Sita and Rama and may feature 108 idols of Janaki around a circular base, with soil from 51 Shakti Peethas used in the construction, creating an immense and spiritually significant structure. : -
How To Reach:
By Road (Best Option)As it is only 5 KMS from the city center, the most efficient way to reach is by hiring a direct auto-rickshaw or taxi. Shared autos are also available from the main Sitamarhi bus stand/railway station. The roads leading to Punaura have been prioritized for upgrade under the de...
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety (Construction)Be mindful of the ongoing large-scale construction in the surrounding areas. Follow all safety signs and stay within the designated pilgrim paths. Packing (Sun Protection)Carry appropriate gear for sun protection (hats, umbrellas) as the site is large and might have l...
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