Janaki Mandir
जानकी मन्दिर
A magnificent Mughal-Rajput style marble temple in Janakpur dedicated to Goddess Sita, the only temple of its kind in Nepal.
Dedicated To
Goddess Sita (Janaki)
Period
Built 1910 CE
Hours
5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee
Free
Neighborhood
Janakpur City Center
Location
Dhanusha, Madhesh
Visiting Etiquette
Remove shoes. Non-Hindus can enter the main temple area. Modest dress required. Photography allowed outside, restricted inside.
Janaki Mandir in Janakpur is one of Nepal's most important and architecturally distinctive temples, dedicated to Goddess Sita (Janaki), the consort of Lord Rama. Built in 1910 by Queen Vrisha Bhanu of Tikamgarh (India), the white marble temple is the only example of Mughal-Rajput architecture in Nepal.
The three-storied temple rises to 50 meters with 60 rooms, latticed windows, turrets, and painted interiors. The architecture is strikingly different from Nepal's typical pagoda-style temples, with its white marble facade, domes, and ornate arched windows reminiscent of North Indian palaces.
Janakpur is believed to be the ancient capital of the Mithila kingdom and the birthplace of Sita. The Vivah Mandap (marriage pavilion) nearby marks where the legendary wedding of Rama and Sita took place. The Vivah Panchami festival (November/December) reenacts this wedding with elaborate processions.
The surrounding area also features sacred ponds (Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar) and colorful Mithila art painted on houses throughout the town.