“Baban kutty Battarah pokhari, Matha-mandirsan sushobhit Janak Nagari”

Janakpurdham, also known as Janak Nagari, is home to 52 temples and 72 ponds of mythological significance.

Janaki Mandir

Janaki Temple is a holy site of Janakpurdham, a centre of attraction for tourists. The magnificent Baroque Mughal architecture temple is dedicated to Sita, the daughter of King Janak. The temple complex is surrounded by four corners adorned with domes and features the central Janaki Mahal, in the inner sanctuary where the divine idols of Sita and Ram are enshrined.

Legends say Sur Kishor Das, a saint who is said to have discovered Janakpurdham, found the image of Goddess Sita at the site of the current Janaki Temple. In 1727 AD, Manik Sen donated 1400 bighas (2338 acres) in the name of the Janaki temple. Later, Queen Vrishabhanu Kumari, wife of King Pratap Singh of Tikamgarh, India, expressed to Goddess Sita her desire to have a son. After having a son, she built this temple. The temple is also known as the Nau Lakha Mandir, which means that at that time, the temple was built for nine hundred thousand gold coins. The foundation was laid in 1894 AD, and construction was completed in 1911 AD.

The grand temple’s white facade is adorned with intricate lattice windows, domes, and verandas, resembling a majestic palace. It spans over 4800 square feet with 60 chambers. Adjacent to Janaki Mahal is the Janak-Sunaina Mandir, dedicated to the father and mother of goddess Sita. The temple conducts prayers twice daily, Mangal Aarti-between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM and Sandhya Aarti- 6:30 PM and 8:00 PM. The inner sactum remained closed between 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.

A small museum (entry fee: Rs 15) offers an immersive experience of Sita’s life through moving statutes.

Lakshman Temple

On the premises of Janaki Mandir, in the northeast corner, lies the Lakshman temple. The dome-style temple houses the idols of Lord Ram, Lakshman and Lavakush. Mahatma Sri Jayakrishna Das established the temple in the late 17th century. King Hem Karna Sen granted a gift of land to Lakshaman Mandir in 1753 AD.

Ram Janaki Vibaha Mandap

The temple next to the Janaki Mandir commemorates the marriage of Ram and Sita. The temple has a pagoda-style tiered roof, where the floor is marble. The walls are glass where you can see the idols of Sita and Ram at the centre of the temple, and the legendary wedding ceremony is depicted. Demigods are also seen on the pillars, who came to witness the great event.

It has statues of relatives from both the groom’s and bride’s sides on the temple’s pillars, within the four corners of Mandap. It was established in 1969 AD by King Birendra Bir Bikram Shahdev and officially inaugurated on Jan 2, 1986 AD. The auspicious wedding ceremony was observed in Mani Mandap.

Ram Temple

The Ram Mandir is a classic tiered pagoda-style temple that resembles the Pasupatinath temple (located in Kathmandu) in its appearance, Built by Amar Singh Thapa in 1782 AD, in dedication to Ram, the prince of Ayodhya. The Ram Mandir is about 5-minute walk from Janaki Mandir, right opposite Dhanusagar.

The main temple is dedicated to Ram, but there are several smaller shrines to Shiva and Hanuman. The temple houses several idols, including Panchayan, Lakshminarayan, Vishnu Dashavatar and Surya god sitting on a seven-horse chariot. These idols were discovered by Chaturbhuj Giri in the end of 17th century while exploring the land of Mithila, making the temple an important historical site.

Within the temple premises are 18 shivlingas, known as the Navagrahadi. The main festivals celebrated in Ram Mandir are Ram Navami and Vivah Panchami. As Ram Navami is the birth tithi (date) of Ram, special bhajans are sung on the day. On Vivah Panchami, some special traditional codes are performed between Ram Mandir and Janaki Mandir as marriage codes to be followed.

Rajdevi Temple

Rajdevi Temple is one of the most famous temples of Janakpurdham. It lies on the north side of Ram Mandir, in the same compound. The Rajdevi god is the patron deity of King Janak, namely Rajeshwari. The temple is worth visiting during Dashain.

Several devotees from Nepal and India came here every year to take the blessings of Rajdevi Mata during the Durga Puja / Dashain festival . At this time, local clubs make arrangements for the rituals. More than 15000+ goats are sacrificed yearly during this Asthami night (Kal Ratri).

Janak Mandir

On the eastern side of the iconic Janaki Mandir, the Janak Mandir is dedicated to King Shridhwaj Janak. The temple, with its dome-style architecture and saffron-coloured walls, houses the deities Durga, Janak, Sunaina, and Krishna. The statue of Janak is genuinely captivating as it stands fragmented without a head, arms, or legs.

The temple was established by King Manik Sen of Makwanpur and later built by Amar Singh Thapa in 1782 AD. However, the earthquake of 1934 AD wrecked the temple, which was later renovated by Ram Shamsher in 1937 AD

Swargdwar

It is located at the west bank of Gangasagar. Swargdwari means Swarg (The Heaven) and Dwar (gate). So, this place is considered as a gate to heaven for the dead people. This place is also crematorium (samsanghat).

Bhootnath Temple

Bhootnath Temple is located in the southern part of the Gangasagar. It is also called Swargdwari of Janakpurdham. Shiva Parvati statue, shankha ghanta, Kaal Bhairav mandir is visible in this temple. This temple is 345 ft in length and 125 ft wide. This place looks like a very beautiful garden with diversity of flowers and trees.

Mani Mandap

In ancient legends, it is said that Ram and Sita united in the sacred marriage ceremony at the Mani Mandap. The Maithili tradition involves the customary making of Madwa during the marriage rite, which can be observed here. This historical place is believed to be the actual site of Ram Janaki Vibaha. The Mandap was called Mani Mandap since it was decorated with precious “mani” jewels. It is surrounded by three serene lakes, with one situated in front of Mani Mandap. This lake holds a special place as it is believed to be the spot where Ram washed his hands after putting sindoor (a red powder that women adorn after marriage) to Sita’s forehead.

Mani Mandap, Goddess Ram, and Sita celebrate their wedding. It is the hidden gem of the Janakpur Dham tour and this temple lies about 3 km north of the main Janaki temple of Janakpurdham. This place was also known as Rani Bazar.It welcomes newly-wed couples to celebrate, embrace, and be blessed from the epic love story of Ram and Sita.

Rangabhoomi (Barhabigha)

In the heart of Janakpur lies Barha Bigha (meaning 20 acres), which serves various purposes for religious and cultural festivities. Every year, during the Bibaha Panchami festival, the swayamvar (a ceremony where a bride wishing to marry would choose a man as her husband from a group of suitors) of Sita Ram is organised here after the baraat (bridal party) comes from Ayodhya, India. Besides that, many other celebrations are also held here.

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple

Next to the Barhabigha field is the one-storied Sankatmochan Hanuman Temple. Its foundations were laid in 1943 AD by Paramhansa Shri Awadh Bihari Das, a famous saint of that time. This sacred temple houses a statue of Hanuman, brought all the way from Jaipur, India. Devotees are often seen enchanting the verses of Ramcharitmanas (the life story of Ram) that are etched on the walls in the spirit of Hanuman’s devotion towards Ram.

Dedicated to Hanuman, the most loyal attendant of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita this temple holds significance as a place of devotion and spiritual connection for Vayu (Wind God). Hanuman, the son of the Wind God, is also known as Sankat Mochan, or redeemer of all woes. This Hanuman temple is visted by hundreds of devotees twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Dulha Dulhan Mandir

Dulha Dulhan Mandir is situated on the southwest side of Ramananda Chowk. It has the statutes of Ram Janaki commemorating their marriage. It was established in 1940 AD by Paramhansa Shri Awadh Kishor Das. It has also the statues of Hanuman as well as Ramananda Acharya.

Bhat Bhateni Shopping Complex

Bhat Bhateni Super Market has launched its 25th branch in Madhes Province’s capital Janakpurdham. As Nepal’s largest retail chain, Bhat-Bhateni offers a range of 150,000 products of the highest quality, for the best prices. Enjoying shopping with multi national companies brands in one roof as feeling comfort like as international super market .

Janakpurdham City Tour

 Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City is situated in Dhanusa District of Madhesh Province inthe southern region of Nepal. Formerly, it was established as Janakpur Sub-metropolitan Cityon 1960. Later on 2014, it was re-named as Janakpurdham and changed the sub-metropolitan city to sub-metropolitan city. It is divided into 25 wards. Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City has a total population of 194,556 as per the national population and housing census conducted in 2021.

 Janakpurdham, which is often called the cultural center of Nepal, is a treasure trove of Maithili culture. Maithili is an ancient culture with rich art forms and a deeply spiritual way of life. This section is meant to give readers a deep look into the traditional way of life in the Maithili community, which is part of the region’s rich cultural history.

From the beautiful architecture of the Janaki Temple to the mesmerizing Mithila paintings that decorate the city, Janakpurdham is a treasure trove for people who want to live in a place where the past and the present seamlessly blend together. The delicious food is a combination of old recipes and local tastes that will stay with you for a long time.

Nepal’s one of the most big and old silver & Gold- Jewellery market; Whether you are looking for traditional artifacts, textiles, or handmade crafts, Janakpurdham offers a variety of markets and shopping areas that cater to different tastes and preferences. Here are some popular spots to add to your shopping itinerary.

As we reflect on our journey through the busy streets, landmarks, and peaceful temples of Janakpurdham, it feels like we’ve stepped into a live canvas that illustrates the rich tapestry of culture, history, and spirituality that this city holds. The famous Janaki Temple that is located in the center of the city is a landmark with a rich cultural heritage that has something to offer for everyone.It is an ideal destination for pilgrims, art connoisseurs, and newlyweds.

Ponds

Janakpur, the land of 52 ponds, is a place of great mythological and religious significance. With its numerous ponds, each with its own unique story, this region has been a center of spiritual pilgrimage for thousands of years.

Ganga Sagar

To the northeast of Janaki Mandir, close to Janak Mandir, lies the Ganga Sagar which is the most holy pond in Janakpurdham. Thousands of devotees bathe and splash their faces in this holy river. Every evening, a special Aarti dedicated to Ram and Sita is performed in the pond premises.It is beautifully decorated during Chhath festival. Visitors can also enjoy a boat ride on the pond, even during the Ganga aarti time. This pond looks magical at night time.

“According to local mythology, the historic Gangasagar has an exciting story. During the Treta Yug, King Nimi of the Ikshavaku dynasty wanted to conduct a maha yagya (a grand sacrifice/devotion) to ensure the prosperity of his reign. He had initially invited the respected Maharishi Vashishta, who at the time was occupied with another yagya, the Indra yagya. Although the Maharishi had requested King Nimi to wait, the king proceeded with the yagya with ascetic Gautama. This act of disobedience incurred the wrath of Maharishi Vashishta, who cursed King Nimi, “May your body be burnt to ashes.” The other priests present at the yagya bathed Nimi’s lifeless body in sacred water from Gangasagar. A new body emerged, which they named ‘Mithi’. Therefore, this pond is regarded as the most significant and famous pond in Janakpurdham.”

There’s Janak Mandir, Bhuthnath (Swargadwari) temple around its periphery.

Ganga Aarti

Every evening, on the north-west bank of Ganga Sagar, devotees gather to witness the Sandhya Mahaganga Aarti. It was started in 2014 AD. There are three sacred mandaps (pavilions), each with a priest who offers blessings with burning incense and lighting oil lamps in a musical harmony. One of these mandaps is dedicated to Mahadev, another to the mighty Ganga, and the third to Sita and Ram. The ritual makes the evening environment dazzling. At the end of Aarti, prasad is distributed to the visitors.There is a belief that if you participate in Ganga Aarti, you will be forgiven for the mistakes and your wishes will be fulfilled. This is one of the most-do activities while visiting Janakpurdham.

Dhanush Sagar

In front of Ram Mandir lies a pond called Dhanush Sagar, which narrates the tales from the Treta Yug. During the Swayamvar, Ram broke the Shivadhanush (the divine bow of Lord Shiva) into three pieces, and one of the broken pieces created Dhanush Sagar, which turned into a religious place for the Hindus.

Visitors can see several small shrines around the perimeter and vendors selling flowers and other ritual objects for puja. Taking a bath at the ghat is considered sacred by the devotees. Locals say a reflection of the Shivadhanush can be seen if one is pure or worthy.

Angarag Sar

Angarag Sar, locally known as Aragajja Sar, is a major pond located next to the Janaki temple. According to local beliefs, Sita used to bath in this pond everyday. It was also the place of Sita’s ubatan ceremony, a traditional pre- wedding ritual in which the bride’s body is smeared with a paste made of turmeric and curds.

Many people believe that washing their face or taking bath in this pond can help cure skin diseases. Pilgrims not only come here to worship in this holy water, but also aspire to connect spiritually with the grace of Sita.

Ratna Sagar

A five-minutes walk from the Ramanada Chowk or Pidari Chowk takes you to Ratna Sagar where it tells you the story of treasure that Janak once safeguarded here. According to legends, during his reign over the Mithila Kingdom, it is believed that King Janak concealed a wealth of treasure in this pond.

Ratna Sagar Mandir, situated at the centre of lake, houses the Idols of Ram, Janaki, Laxman, Radha Krishna and Hanuman. The temple has a gumbakar- shikhara architectural style, and boasts a whitewashed color, established by Raghunath Das, a saint who came from the banks of Ganga. The Sen King at that time gifted land to this Mandir on 1834 AD.

“Legends say that on Ram’s birthday festival, Raghunath Das arrived from Maksudabad in Bengal, India to Janakpurdham and set up a camp by Dhanusa Sar. One day, while wandering northwest of Dhanusa Sar, Raghunath saw a fabulous jewel shinning by an abandoned pond. As he approached the pond, he realized that he was standing on the site of King Janak’s treasury. He named the pond Ratna Sagar, or the sea of jewels and built a temple on its banks where he spent the rest of his days. Besides this, another story says that all the treasures were kept in this pond during the Ram Janaki Bibaha.”

Agni Kund

Agni Kund stands between Bihar Kunda and Ratna Sagar. It is believed that King Janak’s yajna preparations (an act of worship or devotion) were held at this auspicious place; later, it turned into a pond named “Agni Kund”. There’s a temple called Agni Kuna Mandir, where the Sen King that time gifted a small grant of land in circa 1840 AD.

Bihar Kund

Surrounded by temples and kutis, Bihar Kund stands in the reflection with Sita’s playful memories. During the Ramayan era after her wedding with Ram, whenever Sita came back to Janakpur, she used to swim or reveled in water games (jalbihar in Nepali) and joyous splashes in this pond with her friends (sanginis). Bihar Kund, meaning “pond of pleasure,” lives up to its name, forever holding these blissful moments in its heart.

Sita Kund

It is believed that Sita used to participate in a Sanskrit class from Rajpurohit Satanand followed by her taking a bath at Sita Kund. There is Sita Kund Kuti where a black-stoned Satanand and Charan Paduka deities idols are housed along with Ram, Janaki, Balgopala, and Hanuman. The Sen King at that time gifted land to Kuti on 1833 AD.

“When Ram Das came to Janakpurdham, he discovered the west side of King Janak’s palace. He found an abandoned pond and believed this was where Sita bathed every morning before going to the royal pandit’s hermitage for Sanskrit lessons. Ram Das built a Sita Kund Mandir on the southern bank and called the pond Sita Kund.”

Dhanushadham

Discover the mythical realm of Dhanushadham, located 20 km north-east of Janakpurdham. According to legend, the fragment of Shivadhanush (Shiva’s divine bow) fell in this place after Ram broke it during the Dhanushyagya ceremony, a bow ablation was performed as part of Janak’s promise for Sita’s marriage to whoever could string the bow.

Some mythical historic places are situated on the way  Janakpurdham to  Dhanushadham :

–  Mithila Bihari Temple (Kachuridham) – 9 Km

–  Parshuram Talu – 15 KM

–  Dhanush Mandir (Dhanush Dham) – 20 KM

Mithila Bihari Temple

The Mithila Bihari Mandir temple features dome architecture, colourful, vibrant designs, and whitish walls. It is on the way to Dhanushadham in the Kachuridham of Mithila Bihari Municipality. This temple holds great religious importance as it marks the carrying of Ram’s dola (palanquin) for the starting of Mithila Madhya Parikrama.

 Parshuram Talau

Parashuram Lake is a pond where Maharishi Parashuram performed penance to repress his anger after learning that Ram was successful in breaking the Shivadhanush. According to legends, Lord Shiva entrusted the protection of his bak Maharishi Parashuram. Since then, this site has become a place of worship shop Parashuram Talau. It is located on the way to Dhanushadham at Purandaha.

At the pond’s entrance, there’s a tempre dedicated to Goddess Sita and another housing a Shivalinga. A well-constructed pathway extends through the middle of the pond, offering a peaceful walk amidst the tranquil surroundings. At the end of it stood a Shivalinga adorned by a vast naga (a snake), complemented by an artistic painting.A concrete snake structure and a nearly 20 foot high shiva idol is in between the pond.

Dhanush Temple

The place where the broken remains of the divine Shiva bow fell after Ram broke it to obtain Sita’s hand in marriage. A fossilized fragment of the broken piece is still believed to be present here. Every Sunday in the month of Magh (January/ February), a Makar Mela takes place – a tradition that has been continued since Vedic times. Tens of thousands Hindu devotees from around the world flock here to pay homage to this place.

Towards the south is a beautiful Ram Mandir temple with a dome structure and red walls. There is also Dhanush Sagar at the entrance of Dhanush Mandir.

Around Janakpurdham

Janakpur – Jayanagar Railway

The Janakpur-Jayanagar Railway is the first cross-border railway between Nepal and India. In 2023, the railway service was extended from Bhangaha to Jayanagar, covering a stretch of 52 km. The history of Janakpur-Jayanagar dates back to 1927, during the reign of Chandra Shumsher Rana, when the railroad was first laid as a cargo line to transport timber from Nepal to India.Jaynagar–Janakpurdham–Bardibas railway line is a cross-border railway line between India and Nepal.It is the only operational railway line in Nepal.

The railway has provided a convenient means for thousands of devotees from India to visit the land of Mithila on different occasions, it offers gisrases of people’s lifestyles and scenic landscapes, from Bhangaha to the historic attraction of Jayanagar, reflecting the shared heritage of Nepal and India.

Stations between Jaynagar to Bhangaha:

• Jaynagar (Madhubani District, Bihar-India)
• Inarwa
• Khajuri (Halt)
• Baidehi
• Parbaha
• Janakpurdham (Dhanusha District, Madhesh province of Nepal)
• Kurtha
• Kurtha
• Khutta Pipradhi
• Loharpatti
• Singyahi
• Bhangaha (Mahottari District, Madhesh province of Nepal)

Bhangaha–Bardibas section

The work on Bhangaha–Bardibas section has already started. The land acquisition for the project is completed. The Government of Nepal has already hands over the land for the project and the survey on this section is being conducted.

Janakpur Women Development Center

Janakpur Wontent’s Development Center (JWDC) is a non-profit organization, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Mithila Art. Evolving from home-based artistry, JWDC has transformed into a modern hub that connects seamlessly with its ancient roots while exploring diverse art forms such as textiles, paintings, ceramics, and paper crafts.

JWDC trains women and provides them with work opportunities to create art that reflects the distinctive Mithila style. This innovative initiative was started by Art historian Claire Burkert, who recognized the fading beauty of wall paintings and embarked on a mission to preserve them in 1988. The center is a living arts center where women empower women to Mithila Art as a core of its legacy and capture the essence of “Janakpur Art” to reach globally.

Kupeshwarnath

Kupeshwarnath Temple is located southeast of Janakpur at the place Kuwa. There’s a mahadev statue in the temple’s inner sanctuary in the round kuwa/kup (water tank); that’s why it is called Kupeshwarnath Mahadev Mandir. The Sen Kings granted a gift of land in 1730 AD. The other grant was succeeded by Hem Karna Sen in 1753 AD.

Hanuman Gadhi

The Hanumangadhi temple is situated in the southern part of Janaki Mandir, around 5 km away. It houses a statue of Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Dakshin Mukhi Hanuman. It was established in 1781 AD with a grant of land from King Rana Bahadur Shah. In 1807, Amar Singh Thapa granted land to the temple on behalf of King Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah.

Mithila Madhya Parikrma starts at the Mithila Bihari Temple in Kachuridham, Dhanusha, where Ram’s dola (palanquin) is lifted, followed by the dola of Sita, carried from Janaki Temple. The next stop, Hanumangadhi, marked the end of the first day.

Bawan Bigha

Bawan Bigha (literally 83 acres) has a story to tell from Treta Yug. This vast open ground was once King Janak’s grand arena, where the legendary Dhanushayagya (the bow-lifting ceremony) took place. On this ground, Ram emerged victorious by lifting the Shiva Dhanush, where Sita’s fate was united together with Ram.

Nocha Pokhari

Nocha Pokhari, located just 4.5 km south of Janakpurdham in Rampur is said to be founded by Nocha Thakur (Oiniwar dynasty), detailed in the existing inscription on-site. The pokhari (pond) has been developed into a centre of attraction, featuring a well-crafted pathway encircling the pond, its beauty is complimented by the lush green forests that surround it. There are also many species of birds chirping around the pond, adding to its natural charm

Dudhmati River

The Dudhmati River is named after the essence of “milk”. It is associated with the legend of Mother Earth taking the form of Kamadhenu, the divine cow, to feed the baby Sita. As Sita was born from a furrow, the milk spilt out during breastfeeding turned into a river, now known as Dudhmati. With its sacred waters and whitish hue, this milky river has been a sanctuary for bhajans () and sadhus seeking its divine aura. During aunshi (new moon day) and ekadashi (eleventh lunar day), an arati (holy worship) takes place in this river amidst the musical ambience. During Janaki Nawami (in April/May or Baishakh), pilgrims take a holy bath in this river.

Kapileshwar Temple

The Kapileshwarnath Mahadev Mandir is located at the northeast of Janakpur Legend says a sage named “Kapil” had his hermitage in this place, which later turned into the Kapileshwar temple. There are temples of the goddess Santoshi in the North, Ganesh in the East, Ram-Janaki in the South and Hanuman in the west.

WOW Factors :

Connection :Sita Marriage with Shiv Dhanush (Divine Bow)

“Sita had a phenomenal talent from childhood. Once, King Janak saw his daughter Sita was effortlessly lifting the Shiva Dhanush while cleaning the shrine in the palace. Seeing that Sita lifted the bow easily, Janak decided to marry his daughter to whoever could lift this bow.”

It is believed that the divine bow, left in Janakpur by Shiva himself thousands of years earlier, was so powerful that whoever held it made gods tremble. Among many kings and princes who lacked the strength to lift the bow, Ram Chandra, the crown prince of Ayodhya, the seventh incarnation of the God Vishnu, lifted it up without any difficulty. However, as he was stringing it, the bow broke into three pieces. One piece ascended to heaven (Rameshwaram); a second piece sank to hell (Dhanush Sagar); and a third piece remained upon the face of the earth in Mithila (Dhanushadham).

Mithila Art

Women in the Mithila region have been practising their own rites and rituals for centuries-one of their key niche includes making floor and wall paintings. Over time, this art form became known as Mithila Art. Local folklore has it that Mithila Art originated during the wedding of Ram and Sita. It is said that King Janak requested women in the region to paint the city with vibrant art on the walls everywhere.

Mithila Art is unique as it symbolically sies stories of human values, tradition, culture, and religion through paintings these paintings often depict stories of mythology, folk dances, and folklore, which can be seen across the walls of the Janaki Mandir. The symbolic significance of Mithila Art includes the elephant, horse, and palanquin, which symbolize royalty and richness; the sun and moon, which represent long life; the goose and peacock, which suggest welfare; and the betel leaf, lotus, and peacock, which embody purity and innocence.

Mithila Art is a vibrant art form that uses meaningful images, icons, and motifs to express ideas through symbols and colours. Nowadays, it is not just limited to religious rituals and cultural heritage but also serves as a growing art community to tell stories of contemporary social issues in the form of art.

Places to buy Mithila Art

S.No.	Organization	Address	Contact No.
1	Janakpur Women Development Centre	Kuwa, Janakpur	980-7535550
2	Sunaina Mithila Art Gallery	Janaki Mandir	981-9812174
3	Mithila Art Center Janakpur	Parshuram Marg, Janakpur	980-7893281
4	Mithilani Ghar Mithila Art Gallery	Janaki Mandir Marg	981-4830580

Mithila Madhya Parikrama

The Mithila Madhya Parikrama is an annual journey that covers the central part of the ancient Mithila with fifteen sacred destinations. It is held annually during the Hindu calendar month of Falgun (Feb/March) and covers a distance of 133 km circumambulation. It starts on the day of amavasya (no moon day) in Falgun and ends on the day of Holi (Purnima/full moon day), totalling a fifteen-days trip. Once every five years, it is organized with huge fanfare, but people can take it as an annual journey every year.

Apart from Mithila Madhya Parikrama, there are two other Parikrama according to the Mithila Mahatmya- namely the Brihat Mithila Parikrama and Antargriha Parikrama. Brihat Mithila Parikrama covers an area of 84 kosh (126 kms approx.) of ancient Mithila. At the same time, Antargriha Parikrama is the internal circumambulation of Janakpur that covers an 8 km circular path around the city during the day of the Hindu festival Holi.

It is said that Mithila Parikrama started earlier in the 18th century, as mentioned in the book “Mithila Mahatmya”.

The Mithila Madhya Parikrama is a 15-day pilgrimage that takes devotees to various religiously shrines in the Mithila region associated with the Ramayana. It occurs barefoot, resting at fifteen different spots, chanting mantras and bhajans (hymns) and reciting stories of Ram-Sita.

Annual Events & Festivals

 Most of the Hindu festivals are determined based on position of the Sun and the Moon. Many Hindu festivals are celebrated while keeping a day-long fast on the festival day. Hence in Hinduism Tyohar (s) is time for celebrations, deity worship and austerity. More than 50 festival held on one year in Janakpurdham :

S.No.	Festivals	Held On.	Summary
1	MithilaNewYear / Nepali New Year	April	Satuain festival & Judsheetal festival
2	JanakiNawami/ Sita Nawami	May-Jun	Celebrates birthday on Janaki Nawami
3	Jitya Festival	Sep-Oct	Women fast for her child & husband long life
4	Dashain	Oct-Nov	Janaki temple, the idols of Ram and Sita are taken out of the temple and worshipped with betel, makhana and batasa.
5	Deepawali	Oct-Nov	Glowed with joy as devotees celebrated Diwali with Deepotsav, illuminating the city with countless lamps.
6	Chhath	Oct-Nov	Chhath festival splendidly, making offers to the sun god Surya and his sister Chhatimaiya, Chhath Puja is celebrated six days after Deepawali.
7	Sama-Chakewa	Nov	It is the festival that celebrates the love between brothers and sisters.
8	Bibaha Panchami	Nov-Dec	The festival’s centre of attraction is the Janaki Mandir, where devotees offer garlands and worship the union of Ram and Sita.
9	Holi	Mar-Apr	People enjoy playing during the Holi festival by throwing coloured water at each other and painting each other’s faces with different powder colour.
10	Ram Navami		Cerebration of Ram’s birthday in Ram Mandir

DANCES

Based on folk music and tradition, various dances are performed across several religious occasions in Janakpur. These dances are performed on multiple auspicious and religious festivities, singing devotional and joyful music. The dances have evolved from the inner rhythm of the people’s hearts.

 

S.No.	Dance	Held On	Summary
1	Jhi-Jhiya	Oct-Nov	Devoted to the Goddess Durga, during the Dashain festival
2	Jat-Jatin		Performing this dance is said to bring a good season of rain.
3	Sama Chakeba	Oct-Nov	This is a play performed by the rural women of Mithilanchal for a fortnight, starting on Chhath
4	Jharri		Celebration commemorating Lord Hanuman’s flag and ‘Daha’ or ‘Tajiya’ (Muslim rituals)
5	Lokasankirtan (Devotional songs)		There are four types of Loka Sankirtans: a) General Loka Sankirtan b) Jhanki Loka Sankirtan c) Bishaya Sankirtan d) Jhanki Vivah Sankirtan
6	Leelas (episodes from the lives of gods)		There are many types of leelas : a) Ram Leela b) Krishna Leela c) Ras Leela d) Shiv Leela

FOLK DANCES AND DRAMAS

Mithilanchal has been the centre of folk dances and dramas since the 5th century. It is said that in birth, life and death, music never abandons a person in Mithilanchal. Some of the ancient dances are the Badhaiya Nach, Pamariya Nach -both of which are performed within a month of birth – Chhaukarbaji Nach and Ras Nach.

Among the folk dramas, the most ancient are Salhesh, Gopichan, Bharthari (Bratihari), Saranga-Sadabriksh, Mahasti Bihula, Bideshiya, Hirani-Birani, Dulara Dayal, Naika-Banijara and Domakacha. These folk dramas have been handed down through word of mouth.

Besides these dramas, there are Nautankis (light dramas) which are heroic presentations. Among them are Amar Singh Rathour, Laila-Majnu and Shiri- Farhad. These Nautankis performed on stage are accompanied by music played on one big drum, three small drums along with the harmonium and other musical instruments.

FOOD

Mithila is rich in food culture and offers delightful delicacies and specialities There’s a saying “Machha (Fish), paan (Betel) and makhana (water-lily seed) (Makhana) are the soul of Mithila”; this reflects the significance food in the local cuisine.

Fried fish is one of the popular dishes here. The city of ponds ensures a ready supply of fresh fish. It is considered a symbol of luck and holds religious and cultural importance. In every festival, fish is the cornerstone of the specialties prepared for the guests and themselves.

Paan is a treat consumed during auspicious occasions. It is more than just a food item, that act of giving and sharing paan is a cultural practise. You can find hundreds of paan shops offering varieties of flavours in the city.

Makhana is considered a very pure ingredient and often used as an offering to God. There’s also a ritual where they use Makhana as a gardland while welcoming guests. Makhana, the seed of the lotus flower is taken out of water and dried in the sun and then fried to a make it eatable. You will find multiple stalls across all temples selling makhana.

Besides these, the Mithila Thaali set typically includes, rice, kadhi bari, alu chokha, alu bhujiya, taruwa, tilauri fulauri, and vegetables. The wholesome meal showcases the diversity of flavors and textures in Mithila cuisine.

Janakpurdham FAQs

What is Janakpurdham famous for?

Janakpur, also known as Janakpurdham, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, historical significance, and religious landmarks. It is famous for the Janaki Mandir, a historic Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Sita. The city is also known for its vibrant Mithila paintings and the annual celebrations of festivals like Vivah Panchami and Chhath Puja.

How to reach Janakpurdham ?

Janakpur is easily accessible by road, train, or flight, and is located just few kilometers from the Indian border with Bihar.

By Air

From Kathmandu :

Catch a quick flight from the Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu to Janakpur. Major domestic airlines like Buddha Air, Shree Airlines, and Yeti Air offer regular 30-minute flights between 7:30 AM and 6:30 PM. Making  flying a convenient and time- saving option.

From India :

Bihar State have 2 Airport which is also few hours far from Janakpurdham.

1) Darbhanga Airport – 2 hr 30 min (80.5 km) via NH 105/NH 527B

2) Patna Airport 6 hrs (186.7 km) via NH22

By Train

Jayanagar Railway Station and Sitamarhi Railway Station are located only 30 and 45 km away from Janakpurdham Railway Station respectively and were the only connecting railway lines between India and Nepal .The city of Janakpurdham is the only region in Nepal that has a connecting railway line to India.Jayanagar Railway Station – Janakpurdham Railway Station (approx 28 KM via Rail) /  Jayanagar- Jathi- Janakpurdham ( approx 35 KM via road) and  Sitamarhi-Bhitamode-Janakpaurdham ( approx 45 KM via road) are two of the closest border cities and are connected to a number of major cities in India. People can catch a train to these cities from anywhere in India and cover the rest of the journey to Janakpurdham via road

By Road

Buses depart from Kathmandu Janakpur every one to two hours morning and evening. Tickets can be easily purchased from online and ticketing platforms, or at the bus stop itself.

From Kathmandu (Nepal) :

From Kathmandu many ways to reach Janakpurdham but 2 high way is most popular to reach.

*Kathmandu>Janakpur: 387 km via Mahendra highway

(Kathmandu-Naryanghat-Munglin-Chitwan-Bardiwas-Janakpurdham)Traveling Time: 8-10 Hrs

*Kathmandu>Janakpur:223km vai BP Highway

(Kathmandu-Sindhuli-Bardibas-Dhalkebar -Janakpurdham)  Traveling Times : 5-6 Hours

This road passes through several hills, rivers, forests, and villages. Of course, you can enjoy stunning views of green hills and mountains. Moreover, it contains some viewpoints (Selfie Danda) where you can capture beautiful nature scenes with attractive road bends.

From India & Nepal Boarder

Jayanagar- Jathi- Janakpurdham ( approx 35 KM via road) and Sitamarhi-Bhitamode-Janakpaurdham ( approx 45 KM via road) are two of the closest border cities and are connected to a number of major cities in India. People can catch a train to these cities from anywhere in India and cover the rest of the journey to Janakpurdham via road .

* Delhi (Capital of India) > Kathmandu (Capital of Nepal) :1140 Km /Traveling Time 22-25 Hrs

* Delhi (Capital of India) > Janakpurdham : 1126 Km /Traveling Time 20-24 Hrs

*Patna (Capital City of Bihar) > Janakpurdham: 209.3 Km

(Patna-Mazaffarpur-Sitamarhi-Bhitamode-Janakpurdham ) / Traveling Time 5-6 Hrs

*Ayodhya > Janakpur: 586.2 km / Traveling Time 10-12 Hrs

*Varanasi > Janakpur: 436.2 km / Traveling Time 9-10 Hrs

 What are the main attractions in Janakpurdham?

 Things to See and Do

• Boating on Ganga Sagar / Dhanusha Sagar
• Visit Janaki Temple Museum
• Visit Bibhamandap Park
• Rail Safari- Bhangaha – Janakpurdham- Jaynagar (India)
• Visit Mithila Art Gallery- Hand Craft / Mithila Painting
• Morning Prayers: To Connect heart & soul with divine power on Temples, Ganga Sagar Dhanush Sagar
• Ganga Aarti: Experience the divine Ganga Aarti (prayer ceremony) at the ghats of Ganga Sagar, a spiritual rendezvous that leaves an everlasting impression.
• Spiritual Dip: Participate in the age-old tradition of taking a dip in the holy waters, especially during festivals and special occasions.
• Shopping : Janakpurdham is known for its vibrant shopping scene. The city is home to a variety of shops, from traditional markets to modern department stores and International standard shopping complex.
• Enjoying with mithila cultural , delicious mithila food and beverage.

Why do people go to Janakpurdham?

Significance in Nepalese Culture and Hindu Mythology

In Hindu mythology, Janakpur is considered sacred because it is where Goddess Sita, also known as Janaki, was born. Lord Rama, who was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, got married to Sita here in a grand ceremony.

What is the best time to visit Janakpurdham?

The best time to visit Janakpur is between October and April when the weather is pleasant and clear, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the city. This period also coincides with several vibrant festivals likeVivah Panchami, Ram Naomi, Holi (Festival of Color) & Holi Parikarma,Jitiya,Sama-Chakewa, Dashain, Dipawali & Chhath that are celebrated with great fervor in the city.

Can I find good accommodation options in Janakpurdham?

Yes, Janakpurdham offers a variety of accommodation options ranging from hotels and lodges to homestays and guesthouses. Depending on your preference and budget, you can choose from a range of places that offer a comfortable and memorable stay.

What to buy in Janakpurdham?

Shopping for  indigenous Mithila painting is the perfect souvenir to take home with you. A lot of other culturally iconic crafts like clay pottery, handmade clothes, bamboo baskets and a host of other locally made products make for some of the best kind of gifts and keepsakes.

Is Janakpurdham safe for tourists?

Yes, Janakpurdham is generally considered safe for tourists. However, like any other tourist destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions, be aware of your surroundings, and adhere to local guidelines and advisories to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

As we share this thought, we want to encourage everyone to visit Janakpurdham and witness for themselves how warm, lively, and spiritual this beautiful city is. It’s not just a trip; it’s a journey full of experiences that enrich your soul and leave a mark on your heart.

So, pack your bags and set out on a journey to Janakpurdham, where stories from ancient scriptures come to life, art speaks the language of the soul, and every street corner has a story to tell. Come be a part of Janakpurdham’s fascinating tale and create your own story of adventure, discovery, and spiritual awakening.

MUST  VISIT  ONCE  IN  A  LIFE  TIME