Promise Fulfilled: Mokama to Host Bihar’s Tirupati Balaji Temple on 99-Year Lease- Here’s Why It Matters

Patna: Good news has come for the people of Bihar. Just as the huge temple of Lord Venkateshwara in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh attracts devotees, on the same lines, now preparations have started to build a grand Dham in Mokama, Bihar. The government has completed its first and most important step. For the project, 10.11 acres of land located at Mokama Khas has been handed over to the Tourism Department. Now the way for the construction of the temple is almost clear.

Why was Mokama chosen?

Mokama is no ordinary place. This city situated on the banks of Ganga has been associated with culture, history and religious beliefs for centuries. This is the place where the three ancient districts of Anga, Magadha and Mithila meet. Apart from this, the Ardh Kumbh Mela held at Simaria Ghat also gives special importance to it.

Railway and road connectivity is also very strong here; the Delhi-Howrah rail route and the network connecting North-South Bihar passes through here. For all these reasons, Mokama is being considered a better and strategic place for the construction of the temple.

What is Tirupati Balaji model?

The name of the organization under which this temple is going to be built is Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). This trust based in Andhra Pradesh is known for its religious and social activities across the world.
TTD not only operates temples but also—

• Operation of Veda Pathshalas,
• Vedic University,
• hospital,
• Shelter for the elderly and the poor,
• and special medical facilities

It also runs many social services. This is the reason that there are preparations to implement this model in Bihar also, so that along with religious places, social facilities are also developed.

What stage is the project in?

The Tourism Department has sent a proposal to sign an MOU with TTD for the construction of the temple. Meanwhile, TTD Chairman B. R. Naidu has expressed gratitude for this decision of Bihar government. He wrote on social media that providing land for the temple in Mokama is a “historic decision”. He also said that the land has been given to them on a 99-year lease at a token rent of just Re 1—which shows the commitment of the Bihar government towards this project.

What will happen next?

Now the next step is to prepare a detailed plan for the structure, design and construction of the temple. TTD will soon send a team of experts, who will finalize the action plan after inspecting the land. Local people are hoping that this temple will not only become a religious center but will also provide new opportunities for tourism, employment and regional development to Mokama.