Sightseeing · Janakpur
Ram Mandir
Janakpur's oldest temple, a pagoda-style shrine to Rama that comes alive during the Ram Navami festival.
- Rating
- ★ 4.4 (600)
- Price
- $
- Address
- Janakpur, Madhesh Province
Ram Mandir is the oldest temple in Janakpur, a tiered pagoda-style shrine to Rama set in the old quarter of the city. Quieter and more weathered than the famous Janaki Mandir nearby, it offers a glimpse of the city's older religious heart and is an easy addition to any temple tour.
What to expect
Built in the traditional Nepali pagoda form — in contrast to the marble Mughal-Rajput grandeur of the Janaki Mandir — the temple is a working shrine rather than a tourist attraction. It comes alive during Ram Navami, the festival of Rama's birth, when worshippers pack the courtyard.
Good to know
- Etiquette: Cover your shoulders and knees and remove your shoes before entering; it is an active place of worship.
- When to go: Visit during Ram Navami for the liveliest atmosphere, or any morning for a calmer experience.
- Nearby: It sits a short walk from the Janaki Mandir, and pairs well with a Mithila art centre — see the full list in our best things to do in Janakpur.
Featured in
More sights & attractions in Janakpur
Frequently asked questions
What is the Ram Mandir in Janakpur?+
The Ram Mandir is the oldest temple in Janakpur, dedicated to Rama. Built in a traditional Nepali pagoda style, it predates the grander marble Janaki Mandir and remains an important and atmospheric place of worship in the old city.
How is the Ram Mandir different from the Janaki Mandir?+
The Janaki Mandir is a large 1910 marble temple to Sita in an ornate Mughal-Rajput style, while the Ram Mandir is older, smaller and built in the tiered pagoda style typical of Nepal. The two are a short walk apart.
When is the Ram Mandir busiest?+
The temple is at its liveliest during Ram Navami, the festival marking the birth of Rama, when crowds of worshippers fill the shrine. It is also busy on other Hindu festival days through the year.
Is there an entry fee for the Ram Mandir?+
There is no charge to enter and worship at the Ram Mandir. As with all temples in Janakpur, dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering and be respectful of those praying.