Janaki Temple

A place where the faithful connect with the divine while surrounded by captivating aesthetics, forging an unforgettable spiritual experience.

It is built in the location of Goddess Sita's birth. The attraction is still a bustling temple for believers even though it is now recognized as a heritage site and a monument of religious significance. The heavenly Janaki Temple is a must-visit for anyone looking for a glimpse inside the Ramayana narrative. This temple is named after Mata Janki, also known as Sita, Lord Rama's spouse. The town's most significant religious site is the Janki temple, which is also popular with the name of Naulakha temple.

The Janaki Mandir is a prime example of Hindu-Koiri Nepali architecture with a striking white front. The sixty chambers within the three-story temple are embellished with the Nepali flag, paintings, turrets, and exquisite lattice windows. The entire structure is made of stones and marble. The Janaki temple is mainly packed with worshippers during special days and celebrations such as Holi, Vivah Panchami, Dashain, Ram Navami, and Deepavali. The Goddess, revered as embodying bravery, purity, selflessness, devotion, loyalty, and feminine attributes, draws pilgrims across Nepal, Sri Lanka, and India.

Also known as the Nau Lakha Mandir, the majestic temple was established in 1910 A.D. by Queen Vrisha Bhanu, the Queen of Tikamgarh. The term "nau lakha," which means nine lakhs, comes from the fact that the temple's construction cost 900,000 Rupees at the time. This majestic temple, the Nau Lakha Mandir, was constructed in 1910 A.D. by Queen Vrisha Bhanu, the Queen of Tikamgarh. Because building the temple at the time required 900,000 Rupees, the term "nau lakha," nine lakhs, was coined. Many people identify the shrine with Sanyasi Shurkishordas, the founder of Janakpur and a well-known poet and saint. According to legend, Shurkishordas spent most of his life preaching the ideas of Sita Upashinad. It is also thought that in 1657, he discovered a golden statue of Goddess Sita at this location, which gave rise to the belief that Sita spent most of her life there before marriage. The Hindu epic Ramayana tells the story of the legend. It states that King Janak and Queen Sunaina adopted Mata Janki, identified as the Earth Goddess's daughter. While plowing as part of Yagna, King Janak came across her.

Mata Janki, Vaidehi, Maithili, or Sita, is the main female character in the epic Ramayana of Hinduism. It is believed that Lord Ram is the avatar of Lord Vishnu and that Sita is the avatar of Mata Lakshmi. The epitome of devotion, bravery, selflessness, and purity is Sita. According to the Rigveda, Sita is a goddess who bestows excellent crops upon the earth. As the legends say, Janaki, the daughter of Janak, chose Lord Rama during her swyambar. After their marriage, she eventually became queen of Ayodhya. The "Vivaha Mandap" temple, which is close to the Janaki Temple, was the location for the occasion and their marriage celebration.

You will be able to see the majestic temple clearly as you get closer, giving you an idea of its grandeur even before you step inside. It is a white building with domes, pillars, and verandas that resemble a grand palace. It is strongly advised that you take a few minutes to appreciate the beauty on the outside. Built entirely of white marble, the magnificent temple spans over 4800 square feet and is a spectacular example of a unique synthesis of Hindu, Mughal, and Koiri architecture. The main ground-floor arched gate, standing thirty meters tall, must be crossed to gain entry. Follow the path till you come to a courtyard with a large idol of the Goddess Sita inside the sanctum sanctorum. The temple complex has sixty chambers or rooms embellished with elaborate lattice windows, colorful glass, lovely artwork, and fascinating details. The structure of the temple also has minor shrines. They have idols of King Janak, Queen Sunaina, Lord Rama, and another statue each of Sita, Lakshmana, and Urmila. These are known as sannadhis.

The Janaki Temple hosts several yearly celebrations and events, including the Sita Vivah Utsav, Ram Navami, and Navaratri Festivals. Devotees congregate to perform puja and sing devotional songs throughout these festivals, marked with floral decorations and lighting inside the temple. People worldwide gather to celebrate their shared love for Sita and Lord Rama during these festivals, significant religious and cultural events in Nepal. Janki Mata Mandir continues to be a sacred haven, fostering an enduring bond between worshippers and the divine. It is an essential pilgrimage site that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those who seek its blessings.