Temple · Hindu
Janaki Mandir
जानकी मन्दिर
Goddess Sita (Janaki)·Built 1910 CE·Dhanusha
A magnificent Mughal-Rajput style marble temple in Janakpur dedicated to Goddess Sita, the only temple of its kind in Nepal.
Dedicated to
Goddess Sita (Janaki)
Period
Built 1910 CE
Hours
5:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Admission
Free
Neighborhood
Janakpur City Center
Janaki Mandir in Janakpur is one of Nepal's most important and architecturally distinctive temples, dedicated to Goddess Sita (Janaki), the consort of Lord Rama. Built in 1910 by Queen Vrisha Bhanu of Tikamgarh (India), the white marble temple is the only example of Mughal-Rajput architecture in Nepal.
The three-storied temple rises to 50 meters with 60 rooms, latticed windows, turrets, and painted interiors. The architecture is strikingly different from Nepal's typical pagoda-style temples, with its white marble facade, domes, and ornate arched windows reminiscent of North Indian palaces.
Janakpur is believed to be the ancient capital of the Mithila kingdom and the birthplace of Sita. The Vivah Mandap (marriage pavilion) nearby marks where the legendary wedding of Rama and Sita took place. The Vivah Panchami festival (November/December) reenacts this wedding with elaborate processions.
The surrounding area also features sacred ponds (Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar) and colorful Mithila art painted on houses throughout the town.
Best visited in winter.autumn: good, 17°C to 33°C. Cooling down. Vivaha Panchami (Nov/Dec) celebrates Sita's marriage — a massive colorful festival with processions. monsoon: avoid, 26°C to 35°C. Extreme heat and humidity in Janakpur. Heavy rains can flood the temple area. Not recommended for tourism. spring: possible, 20°C to 38°C. Very hot. Ram Navami (Mar/Apr) is the main festival. Visit early morning. The Mughal-style architecture is stunning in morning light. winter: best, 8°C to 24°C. Most comfortable time to visit. Cool mornings, warm days. The white marble temple is beautiful in soft winter light.
The Almanac
| Season | Months | Rating | Temperature | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| spring | Mar–May | Possible | 20° — 38°C | Very hot. Ram Navami (Mar/Apr) is the main festival. Visit early morning. The Mughal-style architecture is stunning in morning light. |
| monsoon | Jun–Sep | Avoid | 26° — 35°C | Extreme heat and humidity in Janakpur. Heavy rains can flood the temple area. Not recommended for tourism. |
| autumn | Oct–Nov | Good | 17° — 33°C | Cooling down. Vivaha Panchami (Nov/Dec) celebrates Sita's marriage — a massive colorful festival with processions. |
| winter | Dec–Feb | Best | 8° — 24°C | Most comfortable time to visit. Cool mornings, warm days. The white marble temple is beautiful in soft winter light. |
- spring Mar–May
- Very hot. Ram Navami (Mar/Apr) is the main festival. Visit early morning. The Mughal-style architecture is stunning in morning light.
- monsoon Jun–Sep
- Extreme heat and humidity in Janakpur. Heavy rains can flood the temple area. Not recommended for tourism.
- autumn Oct–Nov
- Cooling down. Vivaha Panchami (Nov/Dec) celebrates Sita's marriage — a massive colorful festival with processions.
- winter Dec–Feb
- Most comfortable time to visit. Cool mornings, warm days. The white marble temple is beautiful in soft winter light.
Folio II
Iconography & Detail
Folio III
Situation
Coda