Janakpur, the birthplace of Goddess Sita, also known as Janaki, is revered as the consort of Lord Ram. According to the Ramayana, the Ram Janaki Temple in Janakpur was once part of the kingdom ruled by King Janak. The grand Janaki Temple, constructed entirely in a striking white hue, showcases a unique blend of classical and neo-classical architectural styles infused with rich Mithila artistry. During King Janak’s reign, his daughter Janaki (Sita) chose Lord Ram as her husband during her Swayamvar and later became the queen of Ayodhya. According to legend, a golden statue of Goddess Sita was discovered in this area, where she is believed to have resided. In her honor, a temple was built in 1657 on the exact site where the statue was found. The place where their marriage ceremony took place is still preserved as the Ram Janaki Bibaha Mandap, located near the main temple.
Janakpur Dham holds immense significance as a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus. Every year, thousands of devotees from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and other countries visit the Ram Janaki Temple to worship Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. Major festivals such as Ram Nawami, Bibaha Panchami, Dashain, and Tihar are celebrated with great enthusiasm in Janakpur. In addition to the main Janaki Temple, other notable pilgrimage sites include the Ram Mandir, Laxman Mandir, Bibaha Mandap, Ganga Sagar Lake, and Dhanusha Sagar.
Located about 18 kilometers from the Janaki Temple, Dhanusha Dham is another revered pilgrimage site in Janakpur. With historical and religious significance dating back to the Ramayana, Dhanushadham lies northeast of Janakpur in Nepal’s south-central region. It is believed to be the site where Lord Ram broke Shiva's divine bow as a prerequisite to marrying Sita. According to the epic, one of the three fragments of the bow fell in present-day Dhanushadham, where a sacred temple now stands. This site is considered a symbol of faith and devotion against evil.
Janakpur is situated 225 kilometers south of Kathmandu and just 20 kilometers from the Indian border. Many Indian pilgrims cross the Janakpur border to visit this holy site and explore other significant religious destinations in Nepal. For a more extensive pilgrimage experience, visitors can opt for a combined tour of Pashupatinath, Muktinath, and Janakpur, creating a fulfilling spiritual journey in the land of devotion.
