Janakpurdham

Janakpurdham is Nepal's spiritual secret—a city where mythology breathes in the present. Here, in what was once the ancient kingdom of Mithila, Goddess Sita was born from the earth, was raised by King Janak, and married Lord Ram in a ceremony that echoes through the ages. For millions of devotees, this is among the holiest grounds on earth.

But Janakpurdham offers more than religious significance. It's the living heart of Mithila culture, a tradition stretching back thousands of years with its own language, cuisine, music, and most famously, its extraordinary art. Mithila painting, once adorning the mud walls of village homes, has gained UNESCO recognition and global appreciation. Here, you can meet the women artists preserving this tradition, learn its symbols and stories, and understand why every line and dot carries meaning.

The city's centerpiece is Janaki Mandir, one of Nepal's largest and most beautiful temples, a marvel of Rajput architecture rising in white splendor. Beyond it lie sacred ponds from Ramayana legends, smaller temples marking specific events in Sita's life, and the Vivah Mandap where her divine marriage is commemorated.

Unlike the well-trodden paths of Kathmandu, Janakpurdham offers authentic pilgrimage culture relatively untouched by mass tourism. Here you join genuine devotees, share in their practices, and experience spirituality as it has been lived for millennia. For those seeking more than scenic beauty—for those seeking meaning—Janakpurdham delivers profoundly.