JANAKPUR – NOT JUST A PILGRIMAGE DESTINATION

LOCATED IN THE MID-SOUTH OF NEPAL, ON THE BORDER OF INDIA, THIS PLACE AS PER HINDU BELIEF IS SAID TO BE THE HOME OF THE GODDESS SITA, WHO MARRIED THE MOST RESECTED OF ALL GODS, RAM.

Nepal, the gateway to the Himalaya, the kingdom of hills and mountains, are some familiar descriptions of this small nation. Known for its hilly and mountainous areas, lowland Nepal has been more or less forgotten. The lower belt of the country, the Terai region is equally rich and breathtaking as the higher peaks. Culture, art, nature is well rooted here and has a charm that draws one again and again to these places, Janakpur is one such amazing Terai destination that takes your breath away. Though, this place is not well known, it is a most important for the pious Hindus and is a popular destination for Hindu pilgrims.

Named after the legendary king Janak, Janakpur was the ancient capital of the Hindu kingdom Mithila, which had already expanded its territory up to present day Bihar. It is reputed to be one of the most important places according to the Hindu epic, “The Ramayan”. Now located in the mid-south of Nepal, on the border of India, this place as per Hindu belief is said to be the home of the goddess Sita, who married the most respected of all gods, Ram. The city is spread over an area of 4,520.93 hectares and is also the district headquarter of Dhanusha.

It is a matter of irony that such a culturally affluent place like Janakpur is still to be discovered as a tourist destination, and like it has always been, it is a mere pilgrimage destination. Even with one of the oldest and most historic temples and sites, Janakpur still lacks attention. There are many interesting temples of different architecture that allures the culture seekers.

The primary example is the Ram Mandir, the oldest and the most popular temple of all, which lies within the complex of the main temple. It is one of the oldest temples so far as the construction is concerned. Initially established by a saint, Sanyaasi Chaturbhuji Giri, it was later built in a typical Nepali Pagoda style by General Amar Sigh Thapa in the 1782 AD. It houses special images of lord Ram and one can see the images of the deities, Laxmi, Narayan, Vishnu. It also treasures artistic images sculpted in black stone.

The important pilgrimage site, for which pilgrims come from all over to worship at, is the Janaki Temple. Popularly known as Naulakha, it is the most sacred temple for all Hindus and since it holds a special importance in the myth, the temple holds special importance of all. This temple was founded later, when the images of Sita was found buried in the ground. The present chief of the temple is the 14 th descendant of the disciple tradition. It was built by Queen Brisabanu Kunwar of India in the year 1911 AD. This temple also is rich in architecture with a most interesting blend of Hindu Rajput architecture with Moghul architecture, which is the only attractive model of Moghul architecture in Nepal. However, the grand Ram-Janaki Vivah Mandap or the place where the wedding of the deities took place, shows, a good example of Nepalese a good example of Nepalese architecture. The building is bewitching not only with its awesome architecture, but its location, around which is picturesque landscapes. It is also said to be the worship place of King Janak. This temple is located in the central part of Janakpur, and legend has it that the famous bow of the Lord Ram, winning Sita’s hand for marriage at this very place. The temple has also managed to preserve the precious and antique idols of King Janak, as well as other antique pieces.

Situated in the campus of Janaki Temple, Laxman Temple houses images of King Ram, and his wife Sita, as well as Ram’s brother Laxman. There are also images of Sita’s two twin sons. It has been named after Ram’s most loyal brother Laxman. Meanwhile, Sankat Mochan, the temple of Hanuman, or the monkey god and devoted and loyal follower of Ram, is also an interesting feature in the area.

Dulha-Dulhan temple, or the Bride and Groom temple, is a fascinating temple within the vicinity of the main temple. Lord Ram is believed to have spent his wedding night at this very place. Depicting the fact, these temple houses images of Lord Ram and Sita in their wedding robbers. The architect ahs displayed through glasses, the Lord and Sita at their wedding ceremony.

Apart from these beautiful temples, Janakpur is famous for its art rather than as a destination. Mithila art has gained popularity with its amazing creations, patterns, and beauty. It is the center for the revival of ancient Mithila art and craft. Women of this region were called Mithila, so they have been from generations decorating their houses exterior and interior with their precious paintings. These paintings show figures from Hindu mythology in the most abstract form and through this art they depict their way of life. Now, this art has been revived in the form of paper and modern products and is gaining a lot of popularity. This Janakpur is now renowned for Mithila art, which is now also called Janakpur art.

Janakpur, the sacred pilgrimage has a lot of potential as a tourist destination. Tourism and pilgrimage can go side by side, so that the rest of eh world can also enjoy the beauty of the ancient Hindu culture.