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All Nepal Janaki Mandir
AO Edited

Janaki Mandir

An enormous white temple that honors the birthplace of a Hindu goddess.

Janakpur, Nepal

Added By
Edward Denny
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Janaki Mandir   Bijaya2043 / CC BY-SA 4.0
Janaki Mandir   Bijaya2043 / CC BY-SA 4.0
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Mithila painting   Edward Denny / Atlas Obscura User
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About

This enormous white temple in the center of Janakpur, Nepal, commemorates the spot where Sita (also known as Janaki or Maithili) was born. In 1657, a golden statue was miraculously found marking the location. According to ancient myth, King Janaka found the baby Sita alone in a field, presumably the daughter of the earth goddess Bhumi. Raised as his own, Sita later became the wife of Lord Rama (an avatar of Vishnu), and her story is chronicled in the Hindu holy book Ramayama, inevitably making her temple an important pilgrimage site.

The temple itself is notable for serving as an architectural amalgam of Hindu, Nepali, Koiri, and Mughal styles.  Whereas most Nepali temples are built in the familiar wood and brick pagoda style, Janaki Mandir is built of stone and marble. At nearly 1,500 square meters (16,000 square feet) it is also considerably larger than the average temple. It is sometimes referred to as the Naulakha temple (nine lakhs or 900,000 rupees) reflecting the huge price tag at the time it was built in 1911 by Queen Brisabhanu Kunwari of Tikamgarh.

In addition to its more than 60 rooms, the temple contains several shrines where followers can pray, reflect, or join in daily ceremonies. The focal point is a Sita statue festooned with flowers, which legend says was found in the Saryu River near where Rama was born. The complex also contains a small museum displaying dioramas of important events in Sita’s life, as well as prime examples of Mithila art.

Naturally, the temple is a centerpiece during major festivals, but it is also known for its annual reenactment of the marriage of Sita and Rama. As such, it is a popular honeymoon destination for newlyweds to make merry.

Related Tags

Architecture Mythology Sacred Spaces Temples Goddess Hinduism

Know Before You Go

Although this is an important Hindu holy site, all visitors are permitted inside; however, shoes must be removed. Given the enormity of the temple, be prepared to walk a lot while barefoot, or wear an old, dispensable pair of socks.

Community Contributors

Added By

Edward Denny

Edited By

Michelle Cassidy

  • Michelle Cassidy

Published

November 13, 2024

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Sources
  • https://www.worldheritagesite.org/tentative/id/5261
  • https://www.lonelyplanet.com/nepal/the-terai-and-mahabharat-range/janakpur/attractions/janaki-mandir/a/poi-sig/1432882/357173
Janaki Mandir
Janakpur, 45600
Nepal
26.73042, 85.925693

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Nepal

Nepal

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Stories 12

Nearby Places

Janakpur Women's Development Center

Janakpur, Nepal

miles away

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Nepal

Nepal

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Stories 12

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