The Bihar government has brought good news for devotees of Lord Shiva across the state. Road Construction Minister Dilip Kumar Jaiswal announced in the Legislative Assembly that the state will develop a ‘Shiv Circuit’. This new project aims to connect ancient and mythological Shiva temples through a dedicated road network. The announcement was made during the Budget Session on Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026, following demands from various legislators to preserve the state’s religious heritage.
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What is the plan for the Shiv Circuit?
The government is modeling this project after the successful Buddha Circuit and Ramayana Circuit to ensure standardized facilities for tourists. Minister Jaiswal stated that a committee of MLAs from relevant constituencies will be formed to oversee the planning. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared by the Road Construction Department and sent to the Central Government for final approval and funding. A major focus of this plan is to create dedicated “Kanwar Paths” or pedestrian tracks to ensure the safety of millions of pilgrims who travel on foot during the holy month of Shravan.
Which temples will be connected?
While the minister has asked all MLAs to submit a detailed list of mythological temples in their areas, several major shrines have already been identified for the circuit. The government aims to integrate these sites into one seamless network to facilitate easy travel.
- Hariharnath Temple: Sonepur
- Ajgaibinath Temple: Sultanganj
- Singheshwar Nath Temple: Madhepura
- Someshwar Nath Temple: Areraj
- Kusheshwar Asthan: Darbhanga
- Mundeshwari Devi Temple: Kaimur
- Ashok Dham: Lakhisarai
How will it impact the local people?
The primary goal of the Shiv Circuit is to turn seasonal pilgrimage into year-round tourism. The government believes this project will be a game-changer for the local economy. Improved connectivity is expected to boost businesses related to hotels, restaurants, transportation, and local handicrafts near temple towns. Additionally, the construction of safe corridors will significantly reduce road accidents involving pilgrims. The initiative also involves the renovation and restoration of these ancient structures to preserve cultural identity.
