Janaki Mandir
Janaki Mandir (Nepali: जानकी मन्दिर) is a Hindu temple in Janakpurdham, Nepal, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sita. It is an example of Koiri Hindu architecture. Fully built in bright white and constructed in an area of 1,480 square metres (15,930 sq. feet) in the Mithila Kingdom, it is a three-storied structure made entirely of stone and marble.
| Janaki Mandir | |
|---|---|
जानकी मन्दिर | |
Front view of Janaki Mandir | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Hinduism |
| District | Dhanusa District |
| Province | Madhesh Pradesh |
| Deity | Sita and Rama |
| Festivals | Vivaha Panchami, Rama Navami, Dashain and Tihar |
| Location | |
| Location | Janakpurdham |
| Country | Nepal |
Location in Nepal | |
| Geographic coordinates | 26°43′50″N 85°55′32″E |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Hindu-Kushwaha |
| Creator | Queen Vrisha Bhanu of Tikamgarh |
| Completed | 1967 BS (1910 AD) |
| Specifications | |
| Temple(s) | 70 |
| Monument(s) | 27 |
| Elevation | 78 m (256 ft) |
The walls of the temple have Mithila (Madhubani) paintings. All its 60 rooms are decorated with the flag of Nepal, coloured glass, engravings, and paintings, with lattice windows and turrets.
According to the Ramayana, King Janaka ruled the Videha Kingdom from the region of Janakpur, which was the first capital of Mithila during the period. His daughter, Janaki (Sita), during her svayamvara (groom choosing ceremony), chose Rama as her husband, and become the queen of Ayodhya. Their wedding ceremony is believed to have occurred in the 5th century constructed ancient wedding mandapa attached to this temple, which was later reconstructed for repair by Amar Singh Thapa. The site was designated as a UNESCO tentative site in 2008.