Janakpur
Janakpur is one of the historical and religious city of Nepal. It has a population of approximately 80 000 people. The city is located about 400 kms south-east of Kathmandu, 20 kms from the Indian border.
Janakpur, historically called Maithilanchal, is the centre of the ancient Maithili culture, which has its own language and script. The most important historical reference to Janakpur is in the Hindu epic Ramayana where Sita Devi (also called Janaki) is said to have been the princess of Videha. Her father, King Janak, found baby Sita in a furrow of a field and raised her as his daughter. When she grew up, the king announced that she should be wed by whoever was able to string the divine bow of Shiva. Though many royal suitors tried, Lord Rama, prince of Ayodhya, alone could even lift the bow. As Rama and Sita are major figures in Hinduism, Janakpur is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF JANAKPUR:
Janaki Temple
The large marble Janaki Mandir is dedicated to Sita. It has been built in 1911 and is the famous landmark in the town. The most auspicious day for a pilgrimage is Biwaha Panchami (November). It is the day of celebration for the wedding of the Goddess Sita and the God Ram. Many pilgrims from Nepal and India attend the celebration.
Janakpur Women's Development Centre
The Janakpur Women's Develoment Centre gather local handicrafts and displays of traditional Maithili artwork. This center gather women who pass down their skills through generations. The Maithili art is characterized by colourful paintings.
Nepal Railway
Janakpur is the home of the only operational railway in Nepal. Take a ride on the train on a narrow gauge line that extends 53 kms from Janakpur to Jaynagar across the Indian border and have fun on the board of Janakpur Railway.
