Janakpur is a city in Nepal that is rich in history, heritage, and diversity. It is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, as it is believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. It is also the center of Mithila culture, a vibrant and unique form of art, language, music, and cuisine that originated in the region.
Whether you are looking for spiritual enlightenment, cultural immersion, or artistic inspiration, Janakpur has something to offer for everyone. In this guide, we will explore the best places to visit, things to do, and tips to know when traveling to Janakpur.
Janaki Mandir: The Heart of Janakpur
The first and foremost attraction in Janakpur is the Janaki Mandir, a magnificent temple dedicated to Goddess Sita. The temple was built in 1910 by Queen Brisabhanu Kunwari of Tikamgarh in India, who had a vision of the divine couple in her dream. The temple is a masterpiece of Mughal and Koiri style of architecture, with white marble walls, domes, turrets, and pillars. The temple complex also houses a museum, a library, and a pond.
The temple is the venue for many festivals and celebrations throughout the year, especially during Vivah Panchami (the anniversary of the marriage of Rama and Sita), Ram Navami (the birthday of Lord Rama), and Chhath Puja (the worship of the Sun God). During these occasions, thousands of devotees from Nepal, India, and other countries flock to Janakpur to pay their respects and participate in the rituals. The temple is also adorned with colourful lights, flowers, and flags, creating a festive atmosphere.
Mithila Art: The Soul of Janakpur
Another reason to visit Janakpur is to witness the beauty and diversity of Mithila art, a form of folk art that originated in the Mithila region of Nepal and India. Mithila art is characterized by colourful geometric patterns, floral motifs, religious symbols, and scenes from everyday life. The art is usually done on walls, floors, fabrics, paper, or clay by women artists using natural materials such as rice paste, cow dung, and vegetable dyes. Mithila art has a long and rich history that dates back to the ancient times when women used to decorate their homes with paintings during festivals and ceremonies.
Mithila Culture: The Life of Janakpur
Janakpur is not only a city of art and religion, but also a city of culture. Janakpur is the hub of Mithila culture, a culture that reflects the ancient and medieval history of the Mithila region, as well as the influence of Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and other religions. Mithila culture is expressed through various forms of literature, music, dance, cuisine, and customs. Some of the notable features of Mithila culture are:
Maithili language: A language that belongs to the Indo-Aryan family and is spoken by about 35 million people in Nepal and India. The language has a rich literary tradition that dates back to the 14th century and includes poetry, drama, folklore, and epics. Some of the famous Maithili writers are Vidyapati, Jyotirishwar Thakur, Lalit Mohan Jha, and Usha Kiran Khan.
Mithila cuisine: A cuisine that consists of various dishes made from rice, wheat, lentils, vegetables, fruits, spices, and dairy products. The cuisine is influenced by the geography and climate of the region, as well as the religious and social practices of the people. Some of the typical dishes of Mithila cuisine are dal bhat tarkari, litti chokha, khichdi, dahi chura, pua, malpua, and tilkut.
Mithila customs: A set of customs that govern the social and religious life of the Mithila people. The customs include various rites of passage such as birth, naming, initiation, marriage, death, and ancestor worship. The customs also involve various festivals and celebrations such as Holi, Chhath, Durga Puja, Teej, Sama Chakeva, and Jitiya.
Other Places to Visit in Janakpur
Besides Janaki Mandir, Mithila art, and Mithila culture, there are many other places to visit in Janakpur that are related to the Ramayana story or the Mithila culture. Here are some of them:
1. Ram Mandir:
One of the oldest temples in Janakpur, built by a Gorkhali general in the late 1700s. The temple is devoted to Lord Rama, the husband of Goddess Sita, and has a traditional pagoda-style design.
2. Rolwaling Valley:
A challenging and adventurous trekking trail in Nepal, between the Everest and Langtang Himalaya ranges. The valley offers stunning views of alpine lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks.
3. Jaleshwar:
A small municipality in Nepal, named after the holy temple of Jaleshwarnath Mahadev, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The town is visited by devotees from all over the world during the months of Shravan (July-August).
4. Ram Sita Vivah Mandap:
The place where Lord Rama and Goddess Sita got married, according to the Hindu epic Ramayana. The site is marked by a stone platform and a statue of the divine couple.
5. Dolakha Bhimsen Mandir:
A temple dedicated to Bhimsen, a god of trade and commerce in Hinduism. The temple is famous for its miraculous statue of Bhimsen, which sweats before any natural disaster or political turmoil.
6. Ratna Sagar:
A large pond in Janakpur, surrounded by temples and shrines. The pond is believed to have healing powers and is also used for rituals and festivals.
7. Dhanush Sagar:
Another pond in Janakpur, located near Ratna Sagar. The pond is named after the broken bow of Lord Shiva, which was used by Lord Rama to win the hand of Goddess Sita.
8. Ganga Sagar:
The third pond in Janakpur, located near Dhanush Sagar. The pond is considered sacred by Hindus and is also used for bathing and worship.
How to Reach, Stay, Eat, and Explore Janakpur
If you are planning to visit Janakpur, you will need some practical information on how to reach, stay, eat, and explore the city. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you make the most of your trip:
How to reach Janakpur:
The easiest and fastest way to reach Janakpur is by air. There are daily flights from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, to Janakpur Airport, which takes about 25 minutes.
You can also take a bus or a train from Kathmandu, but it will take much longer, about 10 to 12 hours. Alternatively, you can cross the border from India and take a bus or a taxi from Sitamarhi or Darbhanga, which are about 50 km and 100 km away from Janakpur respectively.
Where to stay in Janakpur
There are many options for accommodation in Janakpur, ranging from budget hotels and guesthouses to luxury resorts and homestays. Some of the recommended places to stay in Janakpur are Hotel Welcome, Hotel Sita Palace, Hotel Rama Inn and Mithila Home Stay.
What to eat in Janakpur
Janakpur is a paradise for food lovers, as it offers a variety of dishes that reflect the Mithila culture and cuisine. You can find many restaurants, cafes, street stalls, and sweet shops that serve mouth-watering delicacies. Some of the must-try dishes in Janakpur are Dal bhat tarkari, Litti chokha, Khichdi, Dahi chura, Pua and Malpua.
How to explore Janakpur
Janakpur is a city that can be explored by various means of transportation, such as rickshaw, bicycle, motorbike, or car. You can also walk around the city and enjoy its sights, sounds, and smells.
Also read: Janakpur- Religious Capital of Nepal
Janakpur is a city that will enchant you with its art, culture, and religion. It is a city that will inspire you with its history, heritage, and diversity. It is a city that will welcome you with its hospitality, warmth, and charm. If you are looking for a destination that will offer you a memorable and meaningful experience, Janakpur is the place for you. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Janakpur today and discover the city of art, culture, and religion.
