PRASHAD SCHEME

The ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) scheme was launched by the Ministry of Tourism in the year 2014-15.  It is a Central Sector Scheme with complete financial assistance by the Government of India.  The scheme aims at infrastructure development of the sites with special emphasis on Tourist Facilities including Tourist Facilitation Centres, way-side amenities Parking, Public convenience, Illumination and Sound and Light Shows.

Bhadrachalam Temple, Ramappa Temple and Punaura Dham have been included for development under PRASHAD Scheme.

Bhadrachalam Temple: 

Sri Seetha Ramchandra Swami Vari Devasthanam temple is located Bhadrachalam in the Bhadradri Kothagudem District of Telangana. 

It is said to be more than 350 years old and is closely associated with epic of Ramayana. 

It is believed that Lord Rama with his wife Goddess Sita and brother Lakshmana spent some part of their 14 years of exile at a village called Parnasala, a part of Dandakaranya forest near Bhadrachalam Temple.

 Ramappa Temple: 

Ramappa Temple, also known as the Rudreshwara temple, is a Kakatiya style Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva, located in Telangana. In 2021, the temple was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It was constructed in the year 1213 CE under the supervision of Recherla Rudra—a General of Kakatiya ruler Ganapati Deva. 

The temple is named after the sculptor Ramappa, who built it, making it the only temple in India to be named after its craftsman. 

Punaura Dham:

Maa Janaki Janmabhoomi Temple is also known as Punaura Dham in Punaura village of Sitamarhi district of Bihar. It is believed that Mata Sita was born at this place.

Story of her birth: According to Hindu epic Ramayana, once there was a severe famine in Mithila and the priest there advised King Janak to plow the field. When King Janak was ploughing, an earthen pot came out of the ground, in which Mother Sita was in an infant state. 

Janaki Kund: Behind the temple in Punaura Dham, there is a lake by the name of Janaki Kund. There is a belief about this lake that bathing in this lake gives birth to children.