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Janaki Mandir
Temple
824 views
Janaki chowk, Janakpur (45600), Dhanusa, Madhesh Province, Nepal
Added on Mon, Nov 17, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Updated on Fri, Nov 21, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Year Built
1910 CE
Period
20th Century CE
Architectural Style
Built By
Rani Vrisha Bhanu of Tikamgarh
Patronage
Rani Vrisha Bhanu of Tikamgarh
Material Used
शिला - Shilā (Stone)चूना पलस्तर - Chunā Palastar (Lime Plaster)ईंट - Īnt (Brick)काष्ठ - Kāshtha (Timber)लोहा - Lohā (Iron)काँच - Kānch (Glass)संगमरमर - Sangamarmar (Marble)सुरखी - Surkhi (Brick Dust)
Contributed By
Team InheritageAdded Nov 17, 2025
Janaki Mandir
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Heritage Overview
Janaki Mandir
As I walked through the arches into the Janaki Devi temple in Janakpur, Nepal, I was struck by its grand marble facade and intricate carvings. Crossing the cool stone floors barefoot, I listened to devotional songs and bells as worshippers gathered before the idols of Ram and Sita. Witnessing the Mangala aarti at sunrise left me with a lasting tranquillity. Legend has it that King Janaka found baby Sita in a golden casket at the temple site while ploughing the field, considering her a divine gift from Bhudevi, the Earth Goddess. In 1657, the ascetic Shurkishordas discovered the temple's golden idol of Sita, believed to be self-manifested, which led to the construction of the temple. The Ram Sita Vivah Mandap is a marble pavilion within the temple complex with pillars, arches, and domes. It marks the site of Ram and Sita's wedding - the Swayamvar. Inside the mandap are beautifully adorned and seated idols of Rama and Sita, as well as others depicting the ancient wedding ceremony. Pilgrims, especially newlyweds, seek blessings for marital harmony and happiness at the Vivah Mandap. As evening approached, the temple lit up into a magical spectacle. While local infrastructure poses challenges, the serenity and splendour of Janaki Mandir is an unforgettable journey, offering a genuine encounter with history, devotion, and Mithila heritage. Janaki Mandir, also known as Nau Lakha Mandir (Nine Lakh Temple), is a magnificent three-storied temple dedicated to Goddess Sita, located in Janakpur, Nepal. Commissioned in 1910 by Queen Vrisha Bhanu of Tikamgarh, India, the temple is built entirely of white marble and stone, blending Koiri Hindu, Mughal, and Rajput architectural styles. The temple complex spans approximately 1,480 square meters and contains 60 rooms adorned with Madhubani art, colored glass, engravings, and ornate lattice windows. The temple stands on ground believed to be sanctified by Sita's birth and her marriage to Rama, serving as a locus for both historical memory and living faith.
Historical Context
Janaki Temple is rooted in mythology and royal patronage. According to Hindu tradition, Janakpur is where King Janak found Sita while ploughing after a sacred ritual. The temple's sacredness was heightened in 1657 with the discovery of Sita's golden idol by Shurkishordas. Later, Queen Vrisha Bhanu of Tikamgarh commissioned the present marble temple, completed in 1910 at the cost of nine lakhs gold coins, thereby originating the temple's alternate name as the "Nau Lakha Mandir". Architecturally, the structure is a blend of Mughal, Rajput, and Koiri styles, built entirely in white marble and stone. The three-storied temple contains 60 rooms, intricately decorated with paintings and carvings, and sits at the heart of Janakpur—a site that draws pilgrims from around the world, particularly during festivals such as Vivah Panchami, which marks the divine marriage of Ram and Sita at the neighbouring Vivah Mandap. Janaki Temple, therefore, not only commemorates a legendary love story but also stands as a living cultural and religious icon in Nepal.
Location Map
Visit Information
Visiting Hours
Temple: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM & 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Daily.
Aarti: Morning & Evening, Daily.
Entry Fee
Free for all visitors.
Best Visit Times
During Vivaha Panchami (November/December) and Ram Navami (March/April): These festivals commemorate the wedding and birth of Lord Rama, respectively, and are celebrated with immense fervor, processions, and cultural events, offering a vibrant spiritual experience. October to March: The weather is pleasant and cool (15-25°C), making it ideal for exploring the temple and its surroundings comfortably. Early morning (5-8 AM) or late evening (6-9 PM) for peaceful darshan and to witness the aarti ceremonies, avoiding midday crowds and heat.
Official Website
Go to Official WebsiteArchitectural Highlights
Architectural Style
Period
20th Century CE
Influences
Koiri Style, Mithila Architecture, Mughal Architecture, Rajput Architecture, Hindu Temple Design, Palace Architecture, Indo-Islamic Architecture
Heritage Status
Protected Heritage Site under the Department of Archaeology, Nepal. Proposed for inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – In UNESCO's tentative list since 2008
Preservation Status
Excellent, well-maintained and actively used
Conservation Status
Excellent, well-maintained and actively used. The temple is in good structural condition with ongoing maintenance by the Department of Archaeology, Government of Nepal.
Archaeological Survey
Surveyed By
Department of Archaeology, Government of Nepal
Survey Date
2008
Featured Images
Citation References
No references recorded. Add citations to strengthen verification.
Excavation Details
Archaeological survey conducted in 2008 as part of the process for UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination. The survey documented the temple's architectural features, structural condition, and cultural significance.
Restoration Work
Ongoing maintenance and conservation by the Department of Archaeology, Government of Nepal. Restoration and conservation efforts prioritise traditional materials—brick, lime mortar, locally sourced timber—ensuring that Janaki Temple's technical and visual authenticity are rigorously preserved. The temple has undergone periodic restoration to maintain its structural integrity and preserve its architectural and artistic elements.
Patronage
Rani Vrisha Bhanu of Tikamgarh
Construction Technique
The construction of Janaki Mandir, completed in 1910, involved a meticulous orchestration of traditional Indian building practices. Skilled artisans first quarried and dressed local stone, then transported and precisely laid it to form the temple's robust masonry walls. Lime mortar, prepared on-site, bonded these elements, ensuring durability. The grand marble facade required specialized cutting, carving, and polishing techniques, likely executed by master craftsmen using hand tools. Timber elements for roofing or decorative features were shaped and joined with traditional carpentry methods. This labor-intensive process, relying on manual effort and generations of inherited knowledge, culminated in the temple's intricate detailing and monumental scale.
Architectural Influences
Koiri Style, Mithila Architecture, Mughal Architecture, Rajput Architecture, Hindu Temple Design, Palace Architecture, Indo-Islamic Architecture
Building Techniques
Janaki Mandir showcases a sophisticated synthesis of Koiri, Indo-Islamic, Rajput, and Nagara architectural techniques. The intricate marble carvings, a hallmark of Rajput and Indo-Islamic influence, demonstrate exceptional stone craftsmanship, employing chiseling and polishing to create detailed motifs. Traditional lime plaster, applied in multiple layers, provided a durable, breathable finish, often burnished to a smooth sheen. The use of arches, characteristic of Indo-Islamic design, required precise geometry and skilled masonry for their construction. Glass elements, likely decorative or stained, would have been set using traditional glazing methods, adding to the temple's visual richness and light play.
Coordinates
26.730386, 85.925559
Accessibility Info
5 items
Visitor Facilities
9 items
Best Visit Times
During Vivaha Panchami (November/December) and Ram Navami (March/April): These festivals commemorate the wedding and birth of Lord Rama, respectively, and are celebrated with immense fervor, processions, and cultural events, offering a vibrant spiritual experience. October to March: The weather is pleasant and cool (15-25°C), making it ideal for exploring the temple and its surroundings comfortably. Early morning (5-8 AM) or late evening (6-9 PM) for peaceful darshan and to witness the aarti ceremonies, avoiding midday crowds and heat.
Seasonal Events
6 items
Visitor Restrictions
["Visitors are required to dress modestly, ensuring shoulders and knees are covered, as a sign of respect for the sacred site.","Footwear must be removed before entering the main temple premises.","Photography may be restricted inside the inner sanctum or during specific rituals; visitors should look for signs or inquire.","Leather items (belts, bags) might be restricted in certain areas of the temple.","Maintain silence and decorum within the temple complex to respect the sanctity of the place."]
View Count
824
Is Featured
Yes
Is Published
Yes
Completion Score
75
Completion Status
complete
Created By
b609c300-e3e9-42af-8d00-5125af139175
Created At
2025-11-17T06:46:14.225205+00:00
Updated At
2025-11-21T10:42:24.51649+00:00
Related Heritage Sites
What is Janaki Mandir?
Janaki Mandir is a historic Temple located in Madhesh Province, Nepal. This Koiri architecture style, Indo-Islamic architecture style, Rajput architecture style, Nagara architecture style architectural masterpiece was built during the 20th Century CE period and represents significant cultural and historical heritage of Nepal. As I walked through the arches into the Janaki Devi temple in Janakpur, Nepal, I was struck by its grand marble facade and intricate carvings. Crossing the cool stone floors barefoot, I listened to de...
Category:
TempleLocation:
Janaki chowk, Janakpur (45600), Dhanusa, Madhesh Province, Nepal, Madhesh ProvincePeriod:
20th Century CEStyle:
Koiri architecture style, Indo-Islamic architecture style, Rajput architecture style, Nagara architecture styleArchitectural Features