Janakpurdham — or simply Janakpur — is a city of immense historical and religious significance in Nepal's Dhanusa District. Revered as the birthplace of Goddess Sita and the ancient capital of the Mithila Kingdom, it offers a cultural and spiritual experience unlike anywhere else in Nepal, Himalayan trekking included. Here are the ten places you absolutely must see.
1. Janaki Mandir (Nau Lakha Mandir)
The crown jewel of Janakpur. This stunning three-storey, 50-metre-high marble temple was completed in 1910 AD, commissioned by Queen Vrisha Bhanu of Tikamgarh (India) at a cost of nine lakh (900,000) silver coins. It blends Rajput palace architecture with Mughal-style domes and arches. The complex has 60 decorated rooms with lattice windows, sculptures, and vivid Ramayana murals. It was built on the holy site where saint Shurkishordas discovered a golden idol of Goddess Sita in the 17th century. Interestingly, a small mosque within the premises was built for the Muslim labourers who helped construct the temple — a beautiful symbol of religious harmony. Hotel Ramayan Janakpur is located directly opposite the temple's main entrance, so it's the natural base for exploring everything on this list.
2. Ram Mandir
Situated a short walk southeast of the Janaki Mandir, the Ram Mandir is the oldest temple in the city, built in the late 1700s by Amar Singh Thapa. Its classic Nepali pagoda-style architecture features exquisite woodcarvings on the struts and doors. The temple comes alive during Ram Navami (March/April) and Dashain with thousands of pilgrims.
3. Ram Sita Vivah Mandap
Adjacent to the Janaki Mandir, this elegant marble pavilion marks the traditional site of the divine marriage of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. Life-size idols inside depict the grand wedding ceremony. During the annual Vivah Panchami festival (November/December), the mandap becomes the starting point of a spectacular wedding procession through the city.
4. Ganga Sagar
Janakpur is called the 'City of Ponds' — it has over 72 ancient water bodies. Ganga Sagar is the holiest among them. Local tradition holds its waters were collected from the Seven Seas and other sacred rivers. Every evening at sunset, a captivating Ganga Aarti ceremony is performed here, reminiscent of the famous aartis at Varanasi. It's an unmissable experience.
Insider tip: arrive at Ganga Sagar about fifteen minutes before sunset. The light on the water is at its best just as the lamps are lit, and the crowds haven't built up yet.
5. Dhanush Sagar
Near the Ram Mandir, this pond is named after Lord Shiva's divine bow. According to the Ramayana, King Janak kept the bow here for safekeeping, and the pond was actually constructed in the shape of the weapon. The broken fragments of the bow are said to have fallen here after Ram snapped it during Sita's Swayamvar. It's popular for ritual bathing during Chhath Puja and Makar Sankranti.
6. Ratna Sagar & Ratna Sagar Temple
'Ocean of Jewels' — legend says King Janak stored his precious jewels near this sacred pond. The dome-styled Ratna Sagar Temple overlooking the pond is dedicated to Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. It sits away from the main tourist bustle, offering a tranquil spot for quiet reflection.
7. Janakpur Women's Development Center (JWDC)
Established in 1989, the JWDC is a pioneering organisation that played a crucial role in transitioning traditional Mithila wall murals onto paper, canvas, and handicrafts. Here you can watch women artisans create authentic Madhubani paintings using natural dyes and bold geometric patterns. It's one of the best places to see genuine, fair-trade Mithila art being made in Nepal.
8. Dhanushadham
About 18 km northeast of the city, this pilgrimage site houses the Dhanusha Temple. It is believed that the fossilised remains of Lord Shiva's broken bow actually fell here. A major local fair — the Makar Mela — is held on Sundays in the month of Magh (January/February), drawing devotees from across Nepal and India.
9. Jaleshwor Mahadev Temple
In the nearby town of Jaleshwor (Mahottari district), this ancient Shiva temple is remarkable because the sacred Lingam sits about 20 feet below ground level and remains partially submerged in water year-round. It's an easy half-day trip from Janakpur.
10. The Old Janakpur Bazaar
No visit is complete without walking the narrow, bustling lanes of the old bazaar. Street vendors sell everything from temple offerings to brass utensils. Don't miss the local street food: Bhaja (puffed rice tossed with mustard oil, salt, and chilli), Janakpur's famous Peda (creamy milk sweets), and Thekua (crispy jaggery cookies). The bazaar is at its most vibrant during festival seasons.
Planning your spiritual and cultural journey? Book your stay at Hotel Ramayan Janakpur — with our prime location directly opposite the Janaki Mandir, you'll be at the heart of all these attractions.