Janakpur
Janakpurdham or Janakpur (Maithili: जनकपुर, Nepali pronunciation: [d͡zʌnʌkpur]) is a sub-metropolitan city in Dhanusha district, Madhesh Province, Nepal. The city is a hub for religious and cultural tourism. A headquarter of Dhanusha district, Janakpur is also the capital for Madhesh Province.
Janakpur
जनकपुरधाम | |
|---|---|
Sub-Metropolitan City | |
| Janakpurdham | |
Clockwise from top Janaki Mandir, Ganga Sagar, Train in Janakpur and Vivah Mandap | |
| Nickname: The City of Ponds | |
| Motto(s): City of religious and cultural significance | |
Janakpur Location in Madhesh Province Janakpur Janakpur (Nepal) | |
| Coordinates: 26°43′43″N 85°55′30″E | |
| Country | Nepal |
| Province | Madhesh Province |
| District | Dhanusa |
| Settled | Vedic Period |
| as Municipality | 1962 |
| to Sub-Metro | 2017 |
| Previously part of | Mithila |
| Named for | King Janaka |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–council government |
| • Mayor | Manoj Kumar Sah (NC) |
| • Deputy Mayor | Kishori Sah (NC) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 91.97 km2 (35.51 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 74 m (243 ft) |
| Population (2021) | |
| • Total | 195,438 |
| • Rank | 11th |
| • Density | 820/km2 (2,125/sq mi) |
| • Rank | 4th |
| Demonym | Janakpurians |
| Languages | |
| • Official | Nepali |
| • Local | Maithili |
| Time zone | UTC+5:45 (NST) |
| Postal code | 45600 |
| Area code | 041 |
| Website | janakpurmun |
The city was founded in the early 12th century. According to tradition and archeological evidence found at the site, ancient civilization indicates Janakpurdham as the capital of the Videha dynasty that ruled the Mithila region in ancient times.
Janakpur is located about 225 km (140 mi) southeast of Kathmandu. As of 2021, the city had a population of 195,438 with a 2,125/km2 density. Janakpur is currently the fourth most densely populated city of Nepal. Janakpur is located about 23 km away from the Bhitthamore border with India. Nepal Railways operates between Janakpur and Jainagar in India.