Sightseeing · Janakpur
Janaki Mandir
Janakpur's grand 1910 marble temple to Sita, built in an ornate Mughal-Rajput style — the city's defining landmark.
- Rating
- ★ 4.7 (3000)
- Price
- $
- Address
- Janaki Mandir, Janakpur, Madhesh Province
Janaki Mandir is the defining landmark of Janakpur — a vast marble temple to Sita that draws pilgrims from across Nepal and India. Completed in 1910 in an ornate Mughal-Rajput style, with domes, arches and intricately carved screens, it is one of the most distinctive temples in the country.
What to expect
The temple is said to stand where Sita was found and raised, making it the spiritual centre of the Sita story. Inside the three-storey structure are shrines, courtyards and a small museum, while the gleaming white-and-pink exterior is the image most people associate with Janakpur. Morning and evening aarti fill the halls with lamps and singing.
Good to know
- Dress & etiquette: Cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering. It is an active place of worship.
- When to go: Sunrise and the evening aarti are the most atmospheric; Vivaha Panchami is the grandest time of year.
- Nearby: Pair your visit with the older Ram Mandir and a stop at a Mithila art centre — see them all in our best things to do in Janakpur.
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More sights & attractions in Janakpur
Frequently asked questions
What is the Janaki Mandir?+
The Janaki Mandir is a grand marble temple in Janakpur dedicated to Sita, the wife of Rama. Completed in 1910 in an ornate Mughal-Rajput style, it marks the spot believed to be where Sita was found and grew up, and is the city's most important shrine.
How old is the Janaki Mandir?+
The current temple was completed in 1910, funded by an Indian queen, which is why it is sometimes called Nau Lakha Mandir after its reported cost. The site itself has been revered as Sita's home for far longer.
Is there an entry fee for the Janaki Mandir?+
There is no charge to enter and worship at the Janaki Mandir. Visitors should dress modestly, remove their shoes before going inside and be mindful that it is an active place of pilgrimage.
When is the best time to visit the Janaki Mandir?+
Early morning and evening aarti are the most atmospheric times, when the temple fills with worshippers, lamps and song. For the grandest experience, visit during Vivaha Panchami, when the wedding of Sita and Rama is re-enacted here.
