Janakpur

Janakpur is the capital of the ancient state of Mithila and the Janaki Temple, located in the center of the city, is well known in the HIndu Kingdom. Sita the wife of teh legendary hero Ram was born in Janakpur. Throughout the year, many pilgrims come to pay: their respects to Ram and Sita who are the main religious atractions in Janakpur. The city is thronged by worshippers and visitors alike especialy during the festival of Bibah Panchami. This festival is celebrated on the occasion of Ram and Sita's marriage and their wedding ceremony is enacted throughout the week. During this period, the city is enlivened by the wedding festivities.

Ram Sita (Janaki) are the two central characters of the great Hindu epic Ramayan. In the story, Ram strings a bow that originally belonged to lord Shiva the Destroyer and in the process, the bow breaks into three pieces. One piece flies up to heaven. Another falls down into the depths of the underworld. Today, there is a huge pond called Dhanush Sagar above the very spot. The third piece flies to present day Dhanushadham, about 40 kilometers from Janalpur. There, visitors will see huge rocks shaped liked a bow. Thus, after Ram's successful attempt to string the bow, Janaki's father, King Janak gives his daughter's hand in marriage to the brave prince of Ayodhya.