Janakpur is an ancient city mentioned in Indian mythology as the birthplace of Sita, wife of the deity Lord Rama. Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, Janakpur is place of pilgrimage for devout Hindus. Janakpur is to Hindu pilgrimage what Lumbini is to Buddhist devotees. Janakpur has many temples dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita. The lush Terai forests surrounds the town, and for a moment it is hard to believe that this quiet pilgrimage center could once have been the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mithila, ruled by Sita's father.
As a major pilgrimage center, a visit to Janakpur remains incomplete without a visit to the Ram Sita Sthal, where Ram was supposed to have married Sita. The Ram Mandir, where devotees throng every morning and evening, stands close to the sacred Dhanush Sagar pool. The Sankat Mochan temple, dedicated to lord Hanuman, has the live embodiment of Hanuman in the form of monkeys, which are fed by the pilgrims. As you stroll htrough the narrow streets, you will come across many sacred shrines, an indicator of the importance of religion in the lives of the devout people, most of whom speak Maithili, a language also spoken across the border in India.
Apart from the devout, Janakpur also welcomes those who are interested in history and culture. Every house, however modest, has walls painted with Mithila paintings, lovely frescoes with religious significance. The Janakpur Women's Development Center is leading an important role by helping women commercially market this art form, which is mainly practiced by women.
If you are in Janakpur in December, then you should not miss the Vibaha, or wedding, Festival of Ram and Sita. It attracts thousands of pilgrims who throng to see the re-enactment of the wedding.
