Janakpurdham

Janakpurdham, the legendary capital of the ancient Videha Kingdom, stands today as one of the most significant spiritual and cultural landmarks in the entire Mithila region. Spanning across the border into modern-day Nepal, this sacred city is immortalized in the Ramayana as the birthplace of Goddess Sita, the daughter of Raja Janak. The crown jewel of Janakpur is the magnificent Janaki Mandir, a sprawling architectural masterpiece built in 1910 by Queen Brisabhanu Kunwari of Tikamgarh. This temple, often called the 'Nau Lakha Mandir' due to its nine lakh rupee construction cost, is a stunning example of Mithila-Rajput architecture, featuring intricate marble carvings, white domed arches, and vibrant internal shrines dedicated to the divine couple, Ram and Sita. Beyond its architectural beauty, Janakpurdham is the site of the ancient 'Rangbhoomi', where Lord Rama is believed to have broken the celestial bow of Lord Shiva to win the hand of Sita in marriage. This event is celebrated annually with immense fervor during the Vivah Panchami festival, attracting hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from across the globe. The city is also a vibrant center of surviving Mithila arts, with local women continuing the ancient tradition of wall painting and mural art that can be seen throughout the town's narrow lanes. For many, Janakpur represents the soul of the Videha civilization—a place where the ideals of dharma, sacrifice, and philosophical inquiry once flourished under the patronage of the Janakas. The spiritual atmosphere of Janakpur is complemented by its numerous sacred ponds, such as the Ganga Sagar and Dhanush Sagar, which are central to the daily life and religious rituals of the Maithil people. Whether as a site of profound archaeological interest or as a beacon of living Hindu tradition, Janakpurdham remains an essential pilgrimage, bridging the gap between historical fact and mythological timelessness, and serving as a testament to the enduring cultural bond between India and Nepal.