This enormous white temple in the center of Janakpur, Nepal, commemorates the spot where Sita (also known as Janaki or Maithili) was born. In 1657, a golden statue was miraculously found marking the location. According to ancient myth, King Janaka found the baby Sita alone in a field, presumably the daughter of the earth goddess Bhumi. Raised as his own, Sita later became the wife of Lord Rama (an avatar of Vishnu), and her story is chronicled in the Hindu holy book Ramayama, inevitably making her temple an important pilgrimage site.
The temple itself is notable for serving as an architectural amalgam of Hindu, Nepali, Koiri, and Mughal styles. Whereas most Nepali temples are built in the familiar wood and brick pagoda style, Janaki Mandir is built of stone and marble. At nearly 1,500 square meters (16,000 square feet) it is also considerably larger than the average temple. It is sometimes referred to as the Naulakha temple (nine lakhs or 900,000 rupees) reflecting the huge price tag at the time it was built in 1911 by Queen Brisabhanu Kunwari of Tikamgarh.
In addition to its more than 60 rooms, the temple contains several shrines where followers can pray, reflect, or join in daily ceremonies. The focal point is a Sita statue festooned with flowers, which legend says was found in the Saryu River near where Rama was born. The complex also contains a small museum displaying dioramas of important events in Sita’s life, as well as prime examples of Mithila art.
Naturally, the temple is a centerpiece during major festivals, but it is also known for its annual reenactment of the marriage of Sita and Rama. As such, it is a popular honeymoon destination for newlyweds to make merry.
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