Temple, monastery or heritage site · 74 m
Janakpur
The capital of Madhesh Province and a centre of Mithila culture, built around the white marble Janaki Mandir and dozens of sacred ponds.
Chitwan & Teraiजानकी मन्दिर
Janaki Mandir
The white temple to Sita at the heart of Janakpur, built in the early twentieth century and the focus of the Vivaha Panchami festival.
- Altitude
- 75 m*
- Best months
- Oct-Mar
- Type
- Temple, monastery or heritage site
- District
- Dhanusha, Madhesh
- Permit
- None needed
Why go
Janaki Mandir is the great temple of Janakpur, dedicated to Sita, known here as Janaki, the daughter of King Janak and the wife of Ram in the Ramayana. Its white walls, rows of domes and towers and arched facade rise above the centre of the city and make it the best-known landmark of the Madhesh Province capital.
The temple is built around a large inner courtyard, with the sanctum holding images of Sita and Ram. Around it are galleries, smaller shrines and a museum space showing scenes from the Ramayana and Mithila culture. The architecture blends Hindu and Mughal-influenced Rajput styles, which sets it apart from the pagoda and shikhara temples of the hills.
The temple is busiest in the morning and at the evening aarti, when bells, chanting and lamps fill the courtyard. Pilgrims from Nepal and India visit throughout the year, and the surrounding streets are lined with stalls selling flowers, sindur, sweets and religious items. Vivah Mandap, Ram Mandir and the sacred ponds of Janakpur are all within walking distance.
History and culture
Janakpur is identified in Hindu tradition with Janakpurdham, the capital of King Janak, where Sita was born and married Ram. The present temple was built in the early twentieth century with funding from a queen of Tikamgarh in central India, and it is said to have cost nine lakh rupees, which gives it the popular name Nau Lakha Mandir.
The temple is the centre of Vivaha Panchami, when the wedding of Ram and Sita is re-enacted each year in late November or early December and processions move through the city. Ram Navami and Janaki Navami are also important, and Chhath is celebrated at the city's ponds.
Janaki Mandir has been placed on Nepal's tentative list for World Heritage nomination, reflecting its importance to Mithila culture.
Things to do in Janaki Mandir
Evening aarti
Arrive before dusk to watch the evening aarti and lamp ceremony in the courtyard.
Temple museum
See the galleries with Ramayana scenes and Mithila art inside the temple complex.
Janakpur walk
Continue to Vivah Mandap, Ram Mandir and the ponds of Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar.
Weather and the best time to visit Janaki Mandir
Weather in Janaki Mandir
Forecast for 75 m. Conditions change fast in the mountains.
Weather data: MET Norway, licensed CC BY 4.0. A forecast, not a guarantee.
Best time to visit
Oct-Mar
- Good month: Jan
- Good month: Feb
- Good month: Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Good month: Oct
- Good month: Nov
- Good month: Dec
- Autumn (Sep-Nov)
- October and November are pleasant; Vivaha Panchami falls in late November or early December.
- Winter (Dec-Feb)
- December to February is cool, with foggy mornings and festival crowds early in the season.
- Spring (Mar-May)
- March is comfortable and often includes Ram Navami; April and May are very hot.
- Monsoon (Jun-Aug)
- June to September is hot and wet, with waterlogged streets after heavy rain.
Where to stay
HotelsGuesthouses
Stay in Janakpur, which has hotels and guesthouses; book ahead for Vivaha Panchami.
No partner stays are listed here yet. List a property.
Getting there
The temple is in central Janakpur, reached on foot or by rickshaw from anywhere in the city. Janakpur has an airport and good bus links.
Nearest hub: Janakpur
- flightKathmandu to Janakpur by scheduled flight, then a short ride to the temple.
- roadKathmandu to Janakpur by bus via the BP Highway and Bardibas.
- roadFrom Dhalkebar on the East-West Highway, a short drive south to Janakpur.
Permits and fees
None needed
No permit is needed. The temple museum section may charge a small entry fee and cameras may need a ticket.
Verify before travel: permit rules and fees change. Checked 2026-10-08 against Janaki Mandir, Wikipedia.
Risks and conditions
Seasonal risks around Janaki Mandir
What this place is typically exposed to, and when. These are seasonal patterns, not a report on conditions now.
Floodingmoderate in a typical yearJun-Sep
Monsoon rain from June to September can waterlog streets in Janakpur and slow travel in the surrounding plains.
Heatmoderate in a typical yearApr-Jun
April to June is the hot season in the Terai, with daytime temperatures that make midday sightseeing tiring; travel early or late in the day.
Coldlow in a typical yearDec-Jan
In December and January dense fog and spells of cold weather are common in the Terai, which can slow road travel and delay flights.
Check current conditions before you travel
Roads, trails, passes and flights change with the weather and with roadworks, and nothing on this page describes conditions today. Before you set off, check the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology for weather and flood warnings, the Nepal Disaster Risk Reduction Portal for incidents, and the local authority, police or your licensed operator for road, trail and flight status.
Practical tips
- Remove shoes and leather items where asked, and dress modestly.
- Photography is restricted in some parts of the temple; check before using a camera.
- Visit early or at aarti time to avoid the midday heat.
- During Vivaha Panchami, expect very large crowds and book rooms well in advance.
Questions about Janaki Mandir
Who is Janaki Mandir dedicated to?
To Sita, also called Janaki, the daughter of King Janak and wife of Ram.
When was the temple built?
In the early twentieth century, funded by a queen of Tikamgarh in India.
Why is it called Nau Lakha Mandir?
It is said to have cost nine lakh rupees to build.
What is the best time to visit?
October to March, and especially Vivaha Panchami in late November or early December if you want the festival.
Nearby
Temple, monastery or heritage site · 90 m
Dhanusha Dham
A pilgrimage site north-east of Janakpur where, by tradition, a piece of Shiva's bow broken by Ram fell to earth.
Temple, monastery or heritage site · 75 m
Jaleshwar Mahadev Temple
The Shiva temple that gives Jaleshwar its name, with a lingam set below ground level in water.
Temple, monastery or heritage site · 75 m
Matihani
A small Mithila town south-west of Janakpur, linked in tradition with the wedding of Ram and Sita.
Editorial draft: facts are being checked against the sources below. Last checked 2026-10-08. Sources: Janaki Mandir, Wikipedia, Janakpur, Wikipedia