Janakpur

Birthplace of Sītā · Madhesh Province, Nepal

Janakpur, in the plains of southern Nepal, is revered as the capital of King Janaka of Mithilā and the birthplace of Sītā. Its centrepiece is the Jānakī Mandir, a large white palace-like temple in a blend of Mughal and Rajput styles, built in the early 20th century.

The city is ringed with sacred ponds and is the heart of Mithilā culture, known for its colourful wall paintings. Vivāha Pañcamī in Mārgaśīrṣa (November–December), celebrating Rāma and Sītā’s wedding, and Rāma Navamī draw pilgrims from Nepal and India. The winter months are pleasant.

The Rāmāyaṇa tells how King Janaka found the infant Sītā in a furrow while ploughing a field for a sacrifice. Years later he declared that whoever could string Śiva’s mighty bow would marry her. Princes failed one after another, until Rāma lifted the bow and broke it, and Sītā placed the garland around his neck.

Nepal · Sītā · Rāma · Vivāha Pañcamī · Mithilā art

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