Sitamarhi: On Janaki Navami, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inaugurates project; vision to develop Sitamarhi into a global spiritual and Shakti center.
On the auspicious occasion of Janaki Navami, marking the divine appearance day of Goddess Janaki (Sita), a grand foundation-laying ceremony was held on Saturday for the renovation, preservation, and reconstruction of the 834-year-old Shri Ram–Janaki Math located at Raghopur Bakhri in Sitamarhi district. The Hon’ble Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Samrat Choudhary, visited the site and formally laid the foundation stone after performing traditional Vedic rituals.
The ancient Math is considered one of the oldest and most revered religious sites in the region. Long neglected over the years, its restoration is expected to revive the area’s religious, cultural, and tourism potential.
Three-Phase Vision by Ramayana Research Council
On this occasion, the Ramayana Research Council unveiled a comprehensive three-phase development plan aimed at establishing Sitamarhi on both national and international platforms. The council emphasized that the goal extends beyond temple reconstruction—to develop Janaki’s birthplace into a global center of spirituality, culture, women’s empowerment, and civilizational consciousness.
Phase One: Restoration of Shri Ram–Janaki Math
The first phase will focus on the grand restoration of the Math while preserving its traditional architecture, spiritual sanctity, and historical identity. The temple complex will be redeveloped to include facilities such as a Yajna hall, auditorium, saint residences, dharamshala, library, study center, and a spiritual research institute. It is envisioned as a major hub for Vedic studies, Ramayana traditions, and Mithila’s cultural heritage.
Phase Two: Daily Bhumi Aarti and Global Outreach
The second phase proposes the introduction of a daily Bhumi Aarti (earth worship ritual) in Sitamarhi, symbolizing devotion to the sacred land of Goddess Janaki’s birth. Inspired by the global recognition of Ganga Aarti in Varanasi and Saryu Aarti in Ayodhya, this initiative aims to position Sitamarhi as a major destination for spiritual tourism, attracting devotees from across India and abroad.
Phase Three: Establishment of an Akhand Shakti Peeth
In the third phase, sacred soil and eternal flames from 51 Shakti Peethas across India will be brought to Sitamarhi to establish a divine Akhand Shakti Peeth. Here, Goddess Sita will be consecrated in her form as the Divine Mother (Bhagwati), making Sitamarhi a prominent center for Shakti worship. Regular yajnas, rituals, recitations of Durga Saptashati, and spiritual events will be organized.
Sitamarhi as a Global Center for Women’s Empowerment
The Council also announced plans to develop Sitamarhi as a global hub of women’s empowerment, inspired by the ideals of Goddess Sita—symbolizing sacrifice, patience, compassion, dignity, courage, and strength. Initiatives will include women’s awareness campaigns, cultural training, Vedic education, self-defense training, leadership seminars, and recognition programs for women.
A proposed World Women’s Power Center in Sitamarhi aims to further India’s cultural consciousness and promote gender empowerment globally.
Vedic Rituals and Distinguished Presence
The ceremony was conducted under the guidance of Sanatan Vedic Gurukul Deep, Madhubani (Bihar). Led by Acharya Dr. Rajnath Jha, a team of scholars performed Vedic chanting, Swasti Vachan, and traditional rituals, creating a spiritually charged atmosphere.
Several revered saints and dignitaries attended the event, including Swami Sandipendra Ji Maharaj, Vishnuswami Bhaiyya Ji Maharaj, Swami Chitprakashananda Giri Ji, Swami Chandramani Mishra Ji, Swami Kishorisharan Ji Maharaj, and Dr. Shri Krishna Chamundeshwara Maharshi Ji. Among the prominent guests were Union Minister of State S.P. Singh Baghel, MP Ajay Bhatt, and Chintamani Maharaj.
A Collective Effort
The successful organization of the event was widely attributed to the dedicated efforts of Kumar Sushant Ji, whose coordination and leadership ensured a dignified and well-managed ceremony. Contributions also came from Rajeev Singh, Sanjeev Singh, Jai Ram Viplav, Pankaj Kumar Bablu, Deepak Sharma, Santosh Sarraf, Sandeep Dalmia, Nagendra Rai, Rajesh Singh, Mahant Ramlila Das, Pitambar Mishra, Pran Sharma, and numerous devotees.
The atmosphere resonated with chants of “Jai Shri Ram,” “Jai Siya Ram,” and “Jai Maa Janaki,” marking not just a foundation ceremony but the beginning of a historic spiritual and cultural renaissance for Sitamarhi.
