Janakpur: The Sacred Land where Janaki's Legacy and Maithil Culture Reign

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Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita, the consort of Lord Rama, is an important religious pilgrimage site located in the Terai plains in south-eastern Nepal. In ancient times, Janakpur was the capital city of the Kingdom of Mithila and the center of Maithil culture during the Treta Yug period, which was nearly 12,000 years ago.

Janakpur has held special significance for Thai royal families since ancient times, and the Royal household of Thailand still receives mangoes from the orchards of Janakpur. These fruits are abundant only during the peak summer months from May to mid-June and are savored for their sweet taste and unique flavor.

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JANAKI MANDIR: Pilgrims flock here by the thousands to pay homage to the massive and magnificent Janaki Mandir - Janaki being the other name of Sita, the daughter of King Janak. The temple was constructed in 1910 and is a blend of Mughal and local architecture. The temple is a three-story building and has 60 rooms, making it the largest temple in Nepal.

The temple houses an idol of Sita which was found near Sitamarhi, a town located in Bihar, India. The marriage anniversary of Lord Rama and Sita is celebrated in Janakpur every year on Vivah Panchami day, which falls in December.

In the southwest corner of Janaki Mandir is the Vivah Mandap, which has been built at the site where the marriage of Rama and Sita is said to have taken place. Another well-known temple in the vicinity is the Ram Mandir, built-in pagoda style, and hence it differs from the other temples in Janakpur, which generally bear resemblance to Mughal architecture.

It houses a female statue, said to be of Yogamaya, which has the reputation of being one of the most beautiful images of female forms in Nepal. Other holy sites of interest include the Laxman Temple, Sankat Mochan Temple, and Hanuman Temple.