The Janaki Temple is a Hindu temple in Janakpur, Nepal, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Sita. It is an example of mixed Islam and Hindu Nepali architecture. It is often considered the most important model of Mughal architecture in Nepal. The Mandir (Temple) is popularly known as the Nau Lakha Mandir (meaning "nine lakhs"). The cost for the construction of the temple was about the same amount of money: rupees nine lakhs or nine hundred thousand, hence the name. Queen Vrisha Bhanu of Tikamgarh built the temple in 1910 AD. The site was designated as a UNESCO tentative site in 2008.
This seat of Hindu pilgrimage is a sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions raised over the centuries.
In 1657, a golden statue of the Goddess Sita was found at the very spot, and Sita is said to have lived there. The legend said it that it was built on the holy site where Sannyasi Shurkishordas had found the images of Goddess Sita. In fact, Shurkishordas was the founder of modern Janakpur and the great saint and poet who preached about the Sita Upasana (also called Sita Upanishad) philosophy. Legend has claimed it that King Janak(Seeradhwaj) performed the worship of Shiva-Dhanus on this site.
This important Hindu pilgrimage spot is one of the most visited spots in Nepal and attracts thousands of Hindu pilgrims from India and across the world due to its religious importance. The temple is even more resplendent on religious feats and special occasions Ram Nawami, Vivaha Panchami, Dashain and Tihar when people flock here in even greater number.
In the shadow of this magnificent temple complex and along the banks of the lakes Hotel Mithila a 3-star spiritual theme hotel came into existence to offer the finest hospitality and an experience of a lifetime.