Govt plans Kashi-style makeover for Sonepur’s Hariharnath temple

Patna: The famous Baba Hariharnath temple in Sonepur is set to be developed on the lines of the Kashi Vishwanath corridor with the Bihar govt moving ahead with an ambitious plan to transform the shrine into a major spiritual and tourism destination.Sources said land acquisition for the project had already been completed, while work on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was currently under way. The DPR is expected to be ready by May, after which the tendering process will begin.The project will focus on redevelopment of the external structure and premises of the existing Baba Hariharnath temple, along with the construction of tourism-related infrastructure and buildings within the temple complex. The plan also includes site development and long-term maintenance of the infrastructure for 10 years.The Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation will execute the project, which is expected to be completed within 36 months.Tourism department secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh said special emphasis was being placed on riverfront development under the overall redevelopment plan.The project aims to ensure proper connectivity between the temple and the ghats, which are proposed to be developed in an attractive manner. Massive entrance gates are also part of the redevelopment proposal.The project received a major boost after the Samrat Choudhary-led cabinet approved Rs 680 crore for development of the Baba Hariharnath temple in its first cabinet meeting.The temple holds immense religious significance and attracts large numbers of devotees throughout the year, particularly during the holy month of Sawan. It is also closely associated with the famous Sonepur fair, one of the largest cultural and religious gatherings in the region.Baba Hariharnath is regarded as unique because the Shivling at the temple symbolises both Shiva and Vishnu in one form. Half of the figure is believed to represent Shiva, or Har, while the other half symbolises Vishnu, or Hari. This combined form worshipped in a single sanctum gives the temple its distinct spiritual identity.Officials believe the redevelopment project will not only improve facilities for pilgrims but also strengthen the temple’s position on Bihar’s religious tourism map. Once completed, the shrine is expected to become part of the proposed Shiva Shakti circuit, a key focus area of the state tourism department aimed at promoting major spiritual destinations across Bihar.