Govt eyes spiritual tourism boost with Shiv Shakti circuit devpt

Patna: The Bihar govt is planning to develop a “Shiv Shakti” circuit to promote religious and spiritual tourism by linking ancient temples associated with Lord Shiva and Goddess Shakti across the state.In the first phase, nearly two dozen temples, many believed to be centuries old, are being equipped with basic facilities. These include dharamshalas for pilgrims, signages for easier access, information panels on the history and significance of the shrines, and beautification of surrounding areas.Tourism secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh said the initiative focuses on improving infrastructure and visitor amenities at existing religious sites rather than creating new destinations. He said the temples already attract large numbers of devotees and the govt aims to make pilgrim visits more convenient through better facilities, including accommodation arrangements. He added that tourism packages linked to the circuit may also be introduced in future.Officials said the project forms part of a broader effort to tap Bihar’s spiritual tourism potential, with infrastructure development and visitor facilities being strengthened at several locations.Among the major Shiva temples included in the first phase are Someshwarnath Dham in East Champaran’s Areraj; Singheshwar Dham in Madhepura;Kusheshwar Asthan in Darbhanga; Sundernath Dham in Araria; Gorakhnath Dham in Katihar; Baba Tileshwarnath in Supaul; Pataneshwarnath Dham in Jamui and Ashokdham in Lakhisarai.Major development work is also underway at Baba Hariharnath temple in Sonepur, which will be linked to the Shiv Shakti circuit. Officials said projects worth Rs680 crore have been approved for Baba Hariharnath, while development works worth nearly Rs90 crore are planned for Singheshwar Dham and around Rs70 crore for Someshwarnath Dham.The tourism department said work is progressing at different stages across the identified sites depending on local requirements and project approvals.Alongside Shiva temples, the govt is also preparing to improve facilities at several important shrines associated with Goddess Shakti. These include Ahalya Asthan in Darbhanga; Katyayani Dham in Khagaria; Ambika Bhawani temple in Saran; Thawe Mata temple in Gopalganj; Chandika Asthan in Munger and Patan Devi in Patna.Officials said the circuit is expected to strengthen Bihar’s position as a destination for faith-based tourism by combining heritage, pilgrimage and improved public amenities at some of the state’s oldest and most revered temples.