BSRTB unveils plan to develop mutts, temples across state

Patna: The Bihar State Religious Trust Board (BSRTB) has prepared a comprehensive plan for the preservation and development of around 4,500 mutts and temples across the state. The initiative also envisages a broader religious and cultural revival programme, with a focus on households and youths in the 18-25 age group.

“Religious sites will not be limited to the performance of ‘puja-archana’, but will also be developed as centres for social and educational activities, as well as for imparting physical training,” BSRTB chairman and former MLC Ranbir Nandan said while speaking to reporters at Biharsharif on Wednesday.


Nandan was in Biharsharif to attend the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya training mega camp organised at the Atal Sabhagar of the BJP office. Speaking on the sidelines of the event, he said the board is reviewing the status of both listed and unlisted mutts and temples to prepare a detailed preservation and development roadmap.

He added that he would soon undertake a two-day tour of Nalanda district to review the condition of mutts and temples there. “Based on the review, a future policy and action plan for the district will be prepared,” he said.

Nandan said the board is planning to organise weekly chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa at prominent locations in every district on Tuesdays, with active participation of youths aged 18-25.

He also spoke of “concrete initiatives” to assist in the marriage of needy adult girls. Cultural programmes will be organised, and traditional ‘akhadas’ (wrestling venues) will be revived. Referring to Maniram Akhada, he said steps would be taken for its revival and for renovation of dharmshalas.

The board will also promote the holding of Satyanarayan Bhagwan Katha in households on Poornima and Amavasya, along with the organisation of Durga Puja.