Janaki Mandir, Janakpur

About Janaki Mandir, Janakpur

Janakpur is revered as the capital of King Janak and the birthplace of Sita, heroine of the Ramayana. The Janaki Mandir, completed in 1910, is a gleaming white palace temple in a blend of Mughal and Rajput styles, with domes, turrets and sixty rooms. It stands where an image of Sita is said to have been discovered by a wandering ascetic.

The town is also the center of Mithila culture, famous for its bright wall paintings. Each year at Vivah Panchami, pilgrims crowd in to reenact the wedding of Rama and Sita, and the nearby Vivah Mandap marks the spot. Sacred ponds such as Ganga Sagar and Dhanush Sagar ring the town.

What to see

• White marble palace temple of Sita
• Vivah Mandap wedding pavilion
• Ganga Sagar and Dhanush Sagar ponds
• Mithila painting workshops
• Evening lamp lit aarti

Visiting Janaki Mandir, Janakpur: practical guide

Best time

October to March

Hours

Usually 5 am to 12 pm and 3 pm to 9 pm

Entry

Small fee for the museum; temple free

Dress code

Modest clothing; remove shoes

Nearest airport

Janakpur Airport (JKR), 2 km

Tips from experienced pilgrims

• Visit the Janakpur Women's Art Center for Mithila art
• Expect heavy crowds at Vivah Panchami
• Indian rail link from Jaynagar is an option

Festivals and special days

• Vivah Panchami
• Ram Navami
• Chhath

Etiquette for visitors

Guidance drawn from Hinduism tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.

• Remove shoes before entering temples and some homes.
• Dress modestly with shoulders and legs covered.
• Some temples, such as Puri Jagannath, admit only Hindus; respect posted signs.
• Ask before photographing shrines, rituals or cremation grounds.
• Use your right hand to accept prasad, the blessed food offering.
• Avoid bringing leather items or meat into temple grounds.

Location map

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Frequently asked questions