Janaki Mandir

Janaki Mandir is a Hindu temple in Janakpurdham, Nepal, proposed as a possible World Heritage site. The building rises three floors of pale stone and marble with fine carvings across facades and windows.

Queen Vrisha Bhanu of Orchha began construction in 1910 after a golden statue of the goddess had been discovered centuries earlier. The work continued for several decades, combining local craftsmanship with influences from other regions of India.

The temple takes its name from Sita, daughter of King Janak, and draws pilgrims who pray and leave flower offerings during religious festivals. Worshippers gather in the courtyard before the central shrine, where priests conduct daily ceremonies for visitors from across South Asia.

The temple opens early in the morning for visitors who wish to attend rituals or view the architecture. Remove shoes before entering and dress modestly, as this remains an active place of worship.

Construction consumed roughly nine hundred thousand gold coins, giving rise to the nickname Nau Lakha Mandir. This enormous sum reflects the ambition and religious devotion that drove the project across decades.