Janakpur - Janaki Mandir

Dedicated to Sita the Janaki Mandir is traditionally held to stand on the spot where King Janak came across the baby in a furrow in a field. Despite its imposing size the temple comes into view somewhat unexpectedly, being approached via a narrow, twisting alleyway.

The mandir was built in 1911 by a local princess at the cost, it is said, of nine lakhs (Rs 900,000). Both the overall appearance and architectural detail of the temple are Islamic in influence, the dome in particular being reminiscent of a Rajasthani palace.

The silver doors to the interior of the shrine are opened daily from 5-7am and 6-8pm when the flower-bedecked statue of Sita, reputed to have been found in the River Sarya near Ayodyha, can be viewed. Beside