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Janaki Mandir
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 (Nepal). Sita (Janaki) the wife of the
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 attractions in
Janakpur. The city is thronged by worshippers and visitors, especially during
the festival of Bibah Panchami. This annual 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 and Sita 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, presently
there is a huge pond called Dhanush Sagar above the spot. The third piece flies
to present day Dhanushadham, about 40 kilometers from Janakpur. 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. |
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