Janakpur—also known as Janakpurdham—is one of Nepal’s most treasured cultural and pilgrimage destinations. Situated in the Mithila region of the eastern Terai, the city holds deep significance in the Hindu epic Ramayana as the kingdom of King Janak and the home of Goddess Sita (Janaki). Every year, the city becomes the center of devotion and celebration during Vivah Panchami, the festival honoring the divine wedding of Sita and Lord Rama.

Janakpur: A Living Center of Mithila History and Devotion

Janakpur is renowned for its vibrant cultural identity, sacred sites, and traditional Maithili heritage. According to ancient tradition, this was the seat of King Janak, the philosopher-king who raised Sita. The city’s numerous ponds (sagaras), age-old temples, and colorful festivals make it a culturally rich destination for visitors seeking a blend of spirituality, history, and local life.

Janaki Mandir: The Jewel of Janakpur

Janaki Mandir stands at the heart of Janakpur as a magnificent example of classical Hindu architecture and one of Nepal’s most significant religious landmarks. Completed in 1910 AD by Queen Vrisha Bhanu of Tikamgarh, the temple is popularly known as the Nau Lakha Mandir, a name inspired by the traditional belief that its construction cost nine lakh gold coins. 

Built from stone and marble, the mandir showcases an exquisite blend of Koiri-Hindu, Mughal, and Rajput architectural styles. Within its sanctum rests a revered image of Goddess Sita, drawing thousands of devotees each year. Adjacent to the main shrine lies the Vivah Mandap, which local tradition regards as the sacred site of the divine wedding of Rama and Sita. 

Adding to its prestige, the Janaki Mandir complex is also included on UNESCO’s Tentative List, highlighting its outstanding cultural and architectural significance.

Vivah Panchami: Celebrating the Divine Union

Vivah Panchami, observed on the fifth day of the waxing moon in the month of Margashirsha (November–December), commemorates the sacred marriage of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. In Janakpur, this festival is celebrated with unmatched devotion and grandeur.

What Visitors Experience During Vivah Panchami

• Wedding reenactments and rituals performed at the Vivah Mandap.
• Elaborate decorations of the Janaki Mandir with colorful lights, flowers, and traditional artwork.
• Devotional music, chanting of Ramayana verses, and cultural performances reflecting Maithili traditions.
• Royal-style processions carrying representations of Sita and Rama through the streets of Janakpur.
• Thousands of pilgrims from Nepal, India, and abroad arrived to participate in the festivities.

The festival creates an atmosphere of divine celebration, transforming Janakpur into a glowing center of spiritual energy and cultural unity.

A Cultural Experience Beyond Pilgrimage

While Janakpur is sacred to millions, it is also a thriving center of the Mithila art tradition, renowned worldwide for its vibrant wall paintings and intricate patterns. 

Visitors can explore Mithila Art Centers where local artists create beautiful traditional paintings, stroll around historic ponds such as Ganga Sagar and Dhanush Sagar that hold deep cultural and ritual significance, and wander through bustling bazaars filled with handicrafts, Maithili attire, religious artifacts, and flavorsome local cuisine. 

Together, these experiences make Janakpur a welcoming and immersive cultural destination for both domestic and international travelers.

Janakpur embodies the timeless story of devotion, virtue, and love symbolized by Sita and Rama. With its grand temples, living traditions, and the annual celebration of Vivah Panchami, the city offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness mythology come alive. For pilgrims, heritage seekers, and cultural explorers, Janakpur is a destination that beautifully brings together Nepal’s spiritual depth and vibrant cultural soul.