Context: As per the request received from the State Government of Bihar, Ministry of Tourism has included Punaura Dham in the Ramayana circuit of Swadesh Darshan Scheme.
The destination of Punaura Dham has been recently included under PRASHAD Scheme of the Ministry of Tourism.
Punaura Dham, considered to be the birthplace of Hindu Goddess Sita.
The shrine compound has a Ram Janki temple, a pond called Sita Kund and a hall.
PRASHAD Scheme
The ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Augmentation Drive’ (PRASAD).
Launched by: Ministry of Tourism (2014-15).
It was changed from PRASAD to “National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD)” in October 2017.
Objective:
Holistic development of identified pilgrimage destinations;
Rejuvenation and spiritual augmentation of important pilgrimage and heritage sites;
Follow community-based development and create awareness among the local communities;
Strengthen the mechanism for bridging the infrastructural gaps.
Swadesh Darshan Scheme
It is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2014 -15.
Objective:
Integrated development of theme based tourist circuits in the country;
To position the tourism sector as a major engine for job creation
The Ministry of Tourism provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for infrastructure development of circuits.