Janaki Temple, located in Janakpur, Nepal, is a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Goddess Sita, also known as Janaki, the divine consort of Lord Rama. The temple stands on the very site believed to be the birthplace of Sita, making it a deeply revered destination, especially for followers of the Ramayana tradition.

With its dazzling Mughal-Rajput architecture, mythological significance, and festive atmosphere, the Janaki Temple is not only a symbol of devotion but also a testament to the shared cultural heritage of Nepal and India.

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🛕 Quick Facts

• Deity: Goddess Sita (Janaki)

• Location: Janakpur, Dhanusha District, Madhesh Province, Nepal

• Architecture: Mughal and Rajput blend; white marble palace-like temple

• Established: Originally in the 17th century; current structure completed in 1911 CE

• Also Known As: Nau Lakha Mandir (Temple of Nine Lakhs)

• Significance: Site of Sita’s birth and marriage to Lord Rama

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📍 Location & Accessibility

• Distance from Kathmandu: ~225 km southeast

• Nearest Airport: Janakpur Airport (JKR), with regular flights from Kathmandu

• Access: Easily accessible by road, rail (from India), or air

The temple is centrally located in Janakpur city, a key stop on the Ramayana Circuit, which connects major sites related to the life of Lord Rama and Sita.

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🕉 Mythological Significance

1. Birthplace of Sita

According to Hindu belief, King Janaka, the ruler of Mithila, discovered infant Sita while ploughing the earth as part of a ritual. He adopted her as his daughter, and she later married Lord Rama after the famous Swayamvar, where Rama broke Shiva’s bow to win her hand.

2. Site of Vivah Mandap

Near the Janaki Temple is the Vivah Mandap, where the divine wedding ceremony of Rama and Sita is commemorated with grand celebrations.

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🏛 Architectural Marvel

The Janaki Temple is considered one of the most spectacular temples in Nepal and stands out with its palatial design and pure white façade.

Key Features:

• Mughal-Rajput fusion style

• Three-storied, with 60 rooms, colorful stained-glass windows, and marble floors

• Ornate domes and turrets

• Walls adorned with Ramayana paintings and Maithili art motifs

The temple is often referred to as “Nau Lakha Mandir” because it is believed to have cost nine lakh (900,000) rupees to build, funded by Queen Vrisha Bhanu of Tikamgarh (India).

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🔱 Religious and Cultural Significance

The Janaki Temple is:

• A Shakti Peetha, representing feminine divine power

• A central pilgrimage site during Ram Navami and Vivah Panchami

• A site of interfaith unity, revered by both Nepali and Indian devotees

Devotees from Hindu traditions across South Asia visit to:

• Offer prayers and sindoor (vermillion)

• Perform parikrama (circumambulation)

• Attend marriage ceremonies symbolically reenacted at the Vivah Mandap

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🌟 Major Festivals Celebrated

1. Vivah Panchami (November–December)

• Reenactment of Rama and Sita’s wedding

• Draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from Nepal and India

• Cultural processions, musical events, and temple rituals last for five days

2. Ram Navami (March–April)

• Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama

• Special pujas and cultural performances

3. Teej Festival

• Married women fast and pray for the well-being of their husbands, often visiting Janaki Temple for blessings

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🧘 Spiritual Experience

The atmosphere of Janaki Temple is one of vibrant devotion, festive music, and sacred rituals:

• Morning and evening aarti ceremonies are performed with bhajans and bell ringing

• Devotees chant Ram Naam and recite passages from the Ramcharitmanas

• The temple grounds include resting gardens, ghats, and smaller shrines to Lakshman, Urmila, Hanuman, and King Janaka

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📸 Tips for Visitors

• Best Time to Visit: November to April (cool and dry weather); visit during Vivah Panchami for full experience

• Dress Code: Traditional, modest clothing; red and yellow are considered auspicious

• Footwear: Must be removed before entering the temple

• Photography: Permitted in outer areas; limited inside sanctum

• Nearby Attractions:

  • Ram Mandir

  • Vivah Mandap

  • Dhanusha Dham (place where Shiva’s bow was broken)

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🧠 Did You Know?

• Janakpur is one of the few places in the world that celebrates Vivah Panchami on a large, international scale.

• The Janaki Temple is an architectural rarity in Nepal, showcasing Mughal-era influences more commonly seen in India.

• A replica of Janaki Temple is being constructed in Ayodhya, India, strengthening Nepal-India religious ties.