Janaki Sthan Mandir
The main temple of Goddess Sita in the heart of Sitamarhi town. Over 100 years old, Ramanuja tradition, constant bhajans, marble courtyard.
History & Significance
Janaki Sthan Mandir is much older than the famous Janaki Mandir in Janakpur, Nepal. According to historical court documents, in 1599, the land under Janaki Sthan was donated by King Narpati Singh of Raj Darbhanga. The founder is believed to be Hiraram Das of Revasa Math (Rajasthan), a Ramanuja tradition ascetic.
About 500 years ago, ascetic Birbal Das of Ayodhya came here by divine inspiration. He cleared the jungle covering the site and found ancient stone images of Sita, Ram, and Lakshman — installed by King Janaka himself. He built a temple and commenced worship. Those same images are enshrined in the sanctum today.
🕐 Timings: 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily
💰 Entry: Free
🏛️ Tradition: Ramanuja Sampradaya (Sri Vaishnavism)
⚖️ Historic Legal Dispute: During the British era, a Mahant died leaving two disciples who both claimed succession. The Privy Council of London ruled in favour of Janaki Sthan. The losing disciple moved to Pundarik Ashram at Punauradham and built the Ram Janaki Mandir there — creating the two Sita temples of Sitamarhi.
Urvija Kund
Adjacent south of the temple lies Urvija Kund (also called Janaki Kund), the stone-lined tank where King Janaka is believed to have bathed baby Sita. Its waters are considered sacred, especially during festivals. The tank has stone steps leading down, surrounded by smaller shrines.
Architecture & Features
- Marble-floored courtyard accommodating thousands of devotees
- Presiding deities: Sri Ram, Sita, Hanuman — original stone images from King Janaka's era
- Solar-powered lighting throughout the complex
- Large gateway welcoming visitors into the spacious courtyard
- Subsidiary shrines: Ganesha, Mahadev, and others within the complex
- Non-stop bhajan and kirtan tradition
Major Festivals
- Ram Navami (Mar–Apr) — grand celebrations with thousands of devotees
- Navratri (Chaitra & Sharad) — special pujas, massive crowds, month-long programs
- Janaki Navami — annual Sitamarhi Dham Parikrama covering all major religious centres of the district
- Vivah Panchami — annual re-enactment of the Ram-Sita wedding ceremony
How to Reach
🚌 Bus: Sitamarhi Bus Stand (1.5 km)
✈️ Air: Darbhanga Airport (70 km), Patna Airport (140 km)
🛺 Local: Walking distance from bus stand & station. Auto-rickshaws available.