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2023-08-31T07:24:14Z

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{{short description|Capital of Madhesh Province}}
{{Other uses}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2019}}{{Infobox settlement

| official_name = '''Janakpurdham'''
| native_name = '''जनकपुरधाम'''
| native_name_lang =
| other_name =
| settlement_type = [[List of cities in Nepal#Sub-metropolitan cities|Sub-Metropolitan City]]
| image_skyline = {{Photomontage
| position = center
| photo1a = Janki Mandir.JPG
| photo2a = Northen Side view of Vivah Mandap, Janakpur-September 22, 2016-IMG 7396.jpg
| photo2b = Ganga Sagar, Janakpur-September 22, 2016-IMG 7686.jpg
| photo3a = Nepal Railway, Janakpur 20200918 03.jpg
| size = 290
| spacing = 2
| color = #FFFFFF
| border = 0
| foot_montage = Clockwise from top Janaki Mandir, Ganga Sagar, Train in Janakpur and Vivah Mandap
}}
| image_caption =
| motto = City of religious and cultural significance
| image_map =
| mapsize =
| map_caption =
| pushpin_map = Nepal Madhesh Province#Nepal
| pushpin_label_position = bottom
| pushpin_mapsize = 300
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Madhesh Province
| coordinates = {{coord|26|43|43|N|85|55|30|E|type:city_region:NP|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|Nepal}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Nepal|Province]]
| subdivision_type2 = District
| subdivision_type4 =
| subdivision_type3 =
| subdivision_name3 =
| subdivision_name1 = [[Madhesh Province]]
| subdivision_name2 = [[Dhanusha District|Dhanusa]]
| subdivision_name4 = 
| established_title = Settled
| established_date = Vedic Period
| government_footnotes =
| government_type = [[Mayor–council government]]
| leader_title = [[Mayor]]
| leader_name = Manoj Kumar Sah ([[Nepali Congress|NC]])
| leader_title1 = [[Deputy Mayor]]
| leader_name1 = Kishori Sah ([[Nepali Congress|NC]])
| image_seal =
| unit_pref = 
| area_footnotes =
| area_total_km2 = 91.97
| area_total_sq_mi = 
| elevation_footnotes = 
| elevation_m = 74
| population_total = 195,438<ref name="janakpurmun.gov.np">{{Cite web|url=http://www.janakpurmun.gov.np/en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902182547/http://www.janakpurmun.gov.np/en|archive-date=2 September 2017|title=Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City | "Religious,Cultural, Touristry Place Janakpurdham"}}</ref>
| population_as_of = [[2021 Nepal census|2021]]
| population_footnotes =
| population_density_km2 = auto
| population_rank = [[List of cities of Nepal|11th]]
| population_blank1_title =
| population_blank2_title =
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Nepali language|Nepali]]
| demographics1_title2 = Local
| demographics1_info2 = [[Maithili language|Maithili]]
| population_note =
| postal_code_type = [[Postal code]]
| postal_code = 45600
| area_code = 041
| website = {{url|https://janakpurmun.gov.np/}}
| footnotes =
| image_size = 400px
| timezone = [[Nepal Standard Time|NST]]
| utc_offset = +5:45
| timezone_DST =
| utc_offset_DST =
| blank_name =
| blank_info =
| name = '''Janakpur '''
| population_demonym = Janakpurians
| image_blank_emblem =
| nickname = ''' The City of Ponds'''
| established_title1 = as Municipality
| established_date1 = 1962
| established_title2 = {{Increase}} to
Sub-Metro
| established_date2 = 2017
| established_title3 = Previously part of
| established_date3 = [[Mithila (region)|Mithila]]
| named_for = King [[Janaka]]
| population_density_sq_mi = 2125
| population_density_rank = [[List of cities of Nepal|4th]]
}}

'''Janakpurdham''' or '''Janakpur''' ({{lang-ne|जनकपुर}}, {{IPA-ne|d͡zʌnʌkpur}}) is a sub-metropolitan city in [[Dhanusha District]], [[Province No. 2|Madhesh Province]], [[Nepal]]. The city is a hub for religious and cultural tourism. Janakpur is also known as the birth place of goddess Sita. A headquarter of [[Dhanusha District|Dhanusha district]], ''Janakpur'' is also the capital for [[Madhesh Province]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Breaking ! प्रदेश २ को स्थायी राजधानी 'जनकपुरधाम' बहुमतले पारित !|url=https://enewsbureau.com/news-details/12529/2022-01-17|access-date=2022-01-17|website=enewsbureau.com/|language=en}}</ref>

The city was founded in the early 12th century. According to tradition and an Archeological evidence found at the site,<ref>{{Cite web|title=Ancient Houses and their Cultural remains of Mithila found at 12 Biggha of Janakpur|url=https://kathmandupost.com/national/2016/04/27/ancient-artefacts-found-in-janakpur|language=en}}</ref> ancient civilization indicates Janakpurdham as the capital of the [[Videha]] dynasty that ruled the [[Mithila (region)|Mithila region]] in ancient times.<ref name=Burghart1978>Burghart, R. (1978). The disappearance and reappearance of Janakpur. Kailash: A Journal of Himalayan Studies 6 (4): 257–284.</ref>

Janakpur is located about {{convert|225|km|abbr=on|}} southeast of [[Kathmandu]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.distancefromto.net/between/Kathmandu/Janakpur|title=Distance from Kathmandu to Janakpur|website=www.distancefromto.net|access-date=8 September 2018|archive-date=25 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325093131/http://www.distancefromto.net/between/kathmandu/janakpur|url-status=live}}</ref> {{As of|2021|}}, the city had a population of 195,438 and density 2,125/km2.<ref name="janakpurmun.gov.np">{{Cite web|url=http://www.janakpurmun.gov.np/en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902182547/http://www.janakpurmun.gov.np/en|archive-date=2 September 2017|title=Janakpurdham Sub-Metropolitan City | "Religious,Cultural, Touristry Place Janakpurdham"}}</ref><ref name="JICC">{{cite web|url=http://cbs.gov.np/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/VDC_Municipality.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=2015-04-16 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731124937/http://cbs.gov.np/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/VDC_Municipality.pdf |archive-date=31 July 2013 }}</ref> Janakpur is currently the fourth most densly populated city of Nepal. Janakpur is located about 23 km away from the [[Bhitthamore|Bhitthamore border]] of India.<ref>{{Cite web |title=ICP Bhithamore {{!}} Land Ports Authority of India |url=https://lpai.gov.in/en/icp-bhithamore |access-date=2022-05-10 |website=lpai.gov.in}}</ref> [[Nepal Railways]] operates between Janakpur and [[Jaynagar Majilpur|Jaynagar]] of India.

==Etymology==
Janakpurdham , popularly known as Janakpur is Named after the late King of Videha in [[Mithila region]] - [[Janaka]].The rulers of the Videha kingdom were accorded the title Janaka, meaning 'father' in [[Sanskrit]], and this character is the best-known bearer of the same.
== History ==
{{See also|Mithila Kingdom|History of Mithila Region}}
[[File:ratnasagar.jpg|thumb|left|Ratna Sagar, Janakpur]]
Accounts from [[ascetic]]s, [[pandit]]s, and [[bard]]s indicate that Janakpur was founded in the early 18th century. The earliest description of Janakpur as a [[Pilgrimage#Hinduism|pilgrimage]] site dates to 1805. Earlier [[archaeological]] evidence of the presence of an ancient city has not been found. King [[Janaka]]'s palace is thought to have been located in ancient Janakpur as it is believed to be the capital of the [[Kingdom of the Videhas]]. According to ''[[Ramayana]]'', he found a baby girl in a furrow, named her [[Sita]], and raised her as his daughter. When she was older, he offered her in marriage to anyone who was able to lift the bow of [[Shiva]], left near Janakpur a thousand years earlier. Many royal suitors tried but only [[Rama]], the prince of [[Ayodhya (Ramayana)|Ayodhya]], could lift the bow. According to an old song, this bow was found northeast of Janakpur.<ref name=Burghart1978/>

Until the 1950s, Janakpur was a cluster of rural hamlets inhabited by farmers, artisans, priests, and clerks who worked for the monasteries that controlled the land. After [[Indian Independence Act 1947|the Independence Act in India]], Janakpur expanded into a commercial center and became the capital of the Dhanusa District in the 1960s.<ref name="Burghart88">Burghart, R. (1988.) Cultural knowledge of hygiene and sanitation as a basis for health development in Nepal. Contributions to Nepalese Studies 15 (2): 185–211.</ref>

As Rama and Sita are major figures in Hinduism, Janakpur is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus. According to the [[1st millennium BC|first millennium BC]] text, ''[[Shatapatha Brahmana]]'', the Maithil king [[Videgha Mathava|Videgha Māthava]] crossed the Sadānirā ([[Gandaki River]]), led by his priest Gotama Rahugana, and founded the Kingdom of Videha with Janakpur as the capital city. As Gotama Rahugana composed many hymns of the [[Rigveda]], these events must date to the [[Vedic period|Regvedic period]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thehimalayantimes.com/opinion/nepal-india-relations-ramayan-circuit/|title=Nepal-India relations: Ramayan circuit|date=2017-11-22|website=The Himalayan Times|language=en-US|access-date=2018-12-07|archive-date=7 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207145609/https://thehimalayantimes.com/opinion/nepal-india-relations-ramayan-circuit/|url-status=live}}</ref>{{Synthesis inline|date=January 2021}}

[[Gautama Buddha]] and Vardhamana [[Mahavira]], the 24th and final ''[[Tirthankara]]'' of the [[Jain]] religion are said to have lived in Janakpur. The region was an important center for the history of Mithila during the [[1st millennium|first millennium]].<ref name="Samiti">Rastriya Samachar Samiti (2004). [http://thehimalayantimes.com/business/more-indian-tourists-visit-janakpurdham/ "More Indian tourists visit Janakpurdham"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170802084413/https://thehimalayantimes.com/business/more-indian-tourists-visit-janakpurdham/ |date=2 August 2017 }}. Himalayan Times, 17 January 2004.</ref>

== Demographics ==
{{Historical population
| source = Census in Nepal
| footnote = Data is based on [[Census in Nepal]] .
|1991 | 54710
|2001 | 74192
|2011 | 97776
|2021 | 195438
}}

{{As of|2011|June}}, the Janakpur municipality had 19,195 households and a population of 98,446 people with a density of 4,000 people per square kilometer.<ref name="Census2011">{{cite book |author=Central Bureau of Statistics |url=https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/sources/census/wphc/Nepal/Nepal-Census-2011-Vol1.pdf |title=National Population and Housing Census 2011 |publisher=Government of Nepal |year=2012 |location=Kathmandu |access-date=18 June 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726014406/https://unstats.un.org/unsd/demographic/sources/census/wphc/Nepal/Nepal-Census-2011-Vol1.pdf |archive-date=26 July 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2015, it was declared a sub-metropolitan city that incorporates 11 surrounding villages. The current population is 173,924 people, making it the sixth largest city in Nepal.<ref>{{Cite journal |date=March 2014 |title=National Population and Housing Census 2011 - (Village Development Committee/Municipality) - Dhanusha |url=http://cbs.gov.np/image/data/Population/VDC-Municipality%20in%20detail/17%20Dhanusha_VDCLevelReport.pdf |url-status=live |publisher=Government of Nepal, National Planning Commission Secretariat, Central Bureau of Statistics |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902115219/http://cbs.gov.np/image/data/Population/VDC-Municipality%20in%20detail/17%20Dhanusha_VDCLevelReport.pdf |archive-date=2 September 2018 |access-date=7 December 2018}}</ref>

[[Maithili language|Maithili]] is widely spoken in the area as the first language and is also used as the [[lingua franca]]. Nepali, Hindi, Marwari, and English are well understood. Languages like [[Bhojpuri]] and [[Awadhi]] are understood but less frequently used.

More than 90 percent of the total population is [[Hindus|Hindu]], with the rest being [[Muslims]] and [[Buddhism|Buddhists]].

== Economy ==
Janakpur is one of the fastest developing cities of Nepal and is the largest sub-metropolitan city in the country.<ref>{{Cite web |title=स्थानिय तह |url=http://103.69.124.141/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831065451/http://103.69.124.141/ |archive-date=31 August 2018 |access-date=2018-12-07 |website=103.69.124.141}}</ref> The city has good health care facilities, a number of parks, private schools, colleges, and internet service providers. There are medical, engineering, and management colleges that are affiliated to [[Tribhuvan University]]. The economy is mostly based on tourism, agriculture, and local industries.

The paintings on pottery, walls, and courtyards made by Maithili women are known as [[Madhubani art|Mithila art]].

Janakpur attracts migrants from the surrounding area, moving to the city for medical care, education, and jobs. The largest employers were the Janakpur Cigarette Factory Limited and Janakpur Railway until they closed in 2013 due to political corruption and heavy loans. By the end of 2018 service was resumed.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Janakpur railway nears completion |url=http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2018-10-05/janakpur-railway-nears-completion.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207102910/http://kathmandupost.ekantipur.com/printedition/news/2018-10-05/janakpur-railway-nears-completion.html |archive-date=7 December 2018 |access-date=2018-12-07 |website=kathmandupost.ekantipur.com |language=en}}</ref> Zonal Hospital, Zonal Police, and the Banking Sector help the locals live a relatively easy lifestyle.

The city has many commercial banks, such as [[Nepal Rastra Bank]], the State Bank of India, Nepal, Everest Bank LTD. Machhapuchhare, NIC Bank, Nepal Bank LTD, and Agriculture Development Bank.

== Geography and climate ==
Janakpur is located in the [[Terai]], where the climate is [[humid subtropical climate|humid subtropical]]: the months of March and April are hot, dry, and windy. The [[Monsoon of South Asia|wet season]] lasts from May to September, followed by mild dry autumn from October to November. It is a cold winter from December to February.<ref name=Burghart88/>

The major rivers surrounding Janakpur are Dudhmati, Jalad, Rato, Balan, and [[Kamala River|Kamala]].
{{Weather box
|location = Janakpur Airport (1981-2010)
|metric first = Yes
|single line = Yes
|Jan high C = 22.2
|Feb high C = 26.0
|Mar high C = 31.2
|Apr high C = 34.8
|May high C = 34.6
|Jun high C = 34.1
|Jul high C = 32.5
|Aug high C = 32.7
|Sep high C = 32.3
|Oct high C = 31.7
|Nov high C = 29.3
|Dec high C = 25.1
|year high C = 30.5
|Jan mean C = 15.6
|Feb mean C = 18.6
|Mar mean C = 23.4
|Apr mean C = 27.7
|May mean C = 29.3
|Jun mean C = 30.0
|Jul mean C = 29.3
|Aug mean C = 29.6
|Sep mean C = 28.8
|Oct mean C = 26.8
|Nov mean C = 22.5
|Dec mean C = 18.0
|year mean C = 25.0
|Jan low C = 9.1
|Feb low C = 11.3
|Mar low C = 15.5
|Apr low C = 20.6
|May low C = 24.0
|Jun low C = 25.9
|Jul low C = 26.1
|Aug low C = 26.4
|Sep low C = 25.3
|Oct low C = 22.0
|Nov low C = 15.7
|Dec low C = 10.9
|year low C = 19.4
|precipitation colour= green
|Jan precipitation mm = 11.7
|Feb precipitation mm = 11.4
|Mar precipitation mm = 11.5
|Apr precipitation mm = 52.2
|May precipitation mm = 128.3
|Jun precipitation mm = 238.7
|Jul precipitation mm = 487.6
|Aug precipitation mm = 339.4
|Sep precipitation mm = 197.5
|Oct precipitation mm = 63.9
|Nov precipitation mm = 1.9
|Dec precipitation mm = 8.4
|year precipitation mm = 1552.5
|source 1= <ref>[http://www.dhm.gov.np/uploads/climatic/880251189NORMAL%20FILE.pdf Department of Hydrology and Meteorology 2014] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190819153859/http://www.dhm.gov.np/uploads/climatic/880251189NORMAL%20FILE.pdf |date=19 August 2019 }}.</ref>
|date=February 2016
}}

== Transport ==
=== Roadways ===
Frequent bus services operate between Janakpur and Nepalese cities. Within the city, [[cycle rickshaw]]s, [[electric rickshaw]]s, tempos (three-wheeled vehicle), and buses are available. A few Bus services operate for Indian cities of [[Sitamarhi]], [[Patna]], [[Delhi]] and [[Ayodhya]] as part of the Ramayan Circuit to promote religious tourism in Nepal and India.<ref>{{Cite web|agency=PTI|date=May 11, 2018|title=Modi, Oli launch Janakpur-Ayodhya bus service {{!}} India News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/modi-oli-flag-off-janakpur-ayodhya-bus-service/articleshow/64120958.cms|access-date=2021-08-05|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=5 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805054044/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/modi-oli-flag-off-janakpur-ayodhya-bus-service/articleshow/64120958.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Piyush Tripathi|date=Sep 4, 2018|title=Patna buses: Soon, 4 AC buses to ply from Patna to Janakpur {{!}} Patna News - Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/soon-4-ac-buses-to-ply-from-patna-to-janakpur/articleshow/65662095.cms|access-date=2021-08-05|website=The Times of India|language=en|archive-date=5 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210805054044/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/soon-4-ac-buses-to-ply-from-patna-to-janakpur/articleshow/65662095.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Railways ===
{{Main|Nepal Railways}}
[[File:Janakpur Railway Station, Nepal Railway 20200918.jpg|thumb|right|Janakpur Railway Station]]
[[Nepal Railways]] is the only operational railway in [[Nepal]]. It connects Janakpur to [[Siraha]] at the Nepal-India border and goes further to the Indian city of [[Jaynagar, Bihar|Jaynagar]], [[Bihar]]. There is a customs checkpoint in Siraha for goods.<ref name=":0"/>

=== Airways ===
{{Main|Janakpur Airport}}
[[File:2009-03 Janakpur 01.jpg|thumb|right|Janakpur Airport Terminal]]
Janakpur has a [[Janakpur Airport|domestic airport]] {{airport codes|JKR|VNJP}} with most flights connecting to [[Kathmandu]], There are plans of expanding it as a regional airport.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/43653/|title=India permits new air entry routes over Biratnagar, Janakpur|last=Magar|first=Arpana Ale|website=My Republica|language=en|access-date=2018-12-07|archive-date=7 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181207103025/https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/43653/|url-status=live}}</ref>

{{airport-dest-list
|[[Buddha Air]] | [[Kathmandu Airport|Kathmandu]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.buddhaair.com/flightschedule.html |title=Flight schedule |publisher=Buddha Air |access-date=6 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100918163110/http://buddhaair.com/flightschedule.html |archive-date=18 September 2010 }}</ref>
|[[Yeti Airlines]] | [[Kathmandu Airport|Kathmandu]]<ref>{{ cite web|url=http://yetiairlines.com/yeti/page-scheduled-flights |title=Scheduled flights |publisher=Yeti Airlines |access-date=6 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100610065425/http://yetiairlines.com/yeti/page-scheduled-flights |archive-date=10 June 2010 }}</ref>
|[[Shree Airlines]] | [[Kathmandu Airport|Kathmandu]]<ref>{{ cite web|url=https://www.shreeairlines.com/experience-everest.html |title=Flight schedule |publisher=Shree Airlines |access-date=6 June 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100610065425/https://www.shreeairlines.com/experience-everest.html |archive-date=10 June 2010 }}</ref>
}}

== Culture ==
=== Religious sites ===
The [[Janaki Mandir]] temple is in the centre of Janakpur, northwest of the market. It is one of the biggest temples in Nepal and was built in 1898 (1955 in the [[Vikram Samvat|Nepali calendar]]) by Queen Brisabhanu Kunwari of [[Tikamgarh]]. It is also called ''Nau Lakha Mandir'' after the cost of construction, said to be nine [[lakh]] gold coins.<ref name="HT">Mishra, K. C. (1996). Pilgrimage centres and tradition in Nepal. In: D. P. Dubey (ed) Rays and Ways of Indian Culture. M.D. Publications Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.</ref> The temple is architecturally unique in Nepal: its inner sanctum contains a flower-covered statue of Sita that was found in the [[Sarayu River (Ayodhya)|Sarayu]] near Ayodhya. Statues of Rama and his half-brothers Lakshman, Bharat, and Satrughna stand by Sita.

Adjacent to the Janaki Mandir is the Rama Sita Vivaha Mandir, a building that marks the event in which Rama and Sita were married.

The oldest temple in Janakpur is Sri Ram Temple, built by the [[Gorkhali]] General [[Amar Singh Thapa]].<ref name="HT" /> Pilgrims also visit the over 200 [[Temple tank|sacred ponds]] in the city for ritual baths. The two most important ponds – Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar, are located close to the city center.

<gallery mode="packed" heights="134">
Srisita ram laxman hanuman manor.JPG|Deities of Sri Sita Devi (far right) and Sri Rama (centre) (with Sri Lakshmana (far left) and Sri Hanuman (below seated))
Mani mandap.jpg|Pond in front of Mani mandap, Rani Bazar. The place where the marriage of Ram and Sita actually happened.
Ram Janaki Biwaha mandap.JPG|Ram Janaki Biwaha Mandap
Hanuman Temple-Kadam chowk-Janakpurdham-IMG 6839.jpg|Hanuman Mandir, Kadam Chowk
Janaki Temple Janakpur-Holi 060315 MG 39110337.jpg|Janaki Mandir
Ram Mandir, Janakpur, Nepal.jpg|Ram Mandir, Janakpur, Mithila
</gallery>

====Other religious sites====
* Vivah Mandap temple is situated next to the Janaki Mandir
* Ram Tower is also next to Janaki Mandir. It was inaugurated by former Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, located to the south of Ram Temple.
* [[Kapileshwar Temple (Janakpur)|Kapileshwar Temple]]

=== Festivals ===
Major religious celebrations include the Hindu festivals [[Vivaha Panchami]], [[Diwali|Dipawali]], and [[Vijayadashami]],<ref name="HT"/> followed by [[Chhath Puja]], which is celebrated six days after [[Diwali]] and [[Makar Sankranti]].

On the night of the full moon in February and March, before the festival of [[Holi]], a one-day [[Parikrama]] (circumambulation) of the city is celebrated. Many people offer prostrated obeisances along the entire {{convert|8|km|abbr=on}} route. Two other festivals honour Rama and Sita: [[Rama Navami]], the birthday of Lord Rama,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.nepalvista.com/travel/janakpur.html |title=Janakpur | Travel | NepalVista.com |access-date=25 July 2011 |archive-date=6 September 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110906042403/http://www.nepalvista.com/travel/janakpur.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and the Vivah Panchami that re-enacts the wedding of Rama and Sita at the Vivah Mandap temple on the fifth day of the waxing moon in November or early December.

== Education ==
{{See also|Rajarshi Janak University}}
Janakpur has educational facilities where several of the country's elites went to school, including the first president of the Federal Republic of Nepal, [[Ram Baran Yadav]] and former [[Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal|DPM]], [[Bimalendra Nidhi]]. There are many private and government schools and colleges located in Janakpur. One of the oldest government colleges of Nepal, [[Ramswarup Ramsagar Multiple Campus|Ramsworup Ramsagar Bahumukhi Campus]], which is a constituent campus of [[Tribhuvan University]] is homed in Janakpur. Janakpur also has [[Rajarshi Janak University]] for higher studies.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rajarshi Janak University |url=https://edusanjal.com/university/rajarshi-janak-university/ |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=Edusanjal |language=en}}</ref>

Some of the prominent private colleges are Rajarshi Janak Campus and [[Model Multiple College]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rjc.edu.np|title=Rajarsi Janak Campus}}</ref> Janakpur also has a medical college, [[Janaki medical college|Janaki Medical College]] which is also affiliated with Tribhuvan University.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.jmcnepal.com|title=Janaki Medical College|access-date=8 September 2018|archive-date=18 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180318132940/http://jmcnepal.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> Similarly for engineering studies, the city has Central Engineering College affiliated to [[Purbanchal University]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Central Engineering College, Janakpur Nepal {{!}} Colleges Nepal |url=https://www.collegesnepal.com/central-engineering-college/ |access-date=2023-04-30 |website=www.collegesnepal.com}}</ref>

=== Libraries ===
Gangasagar Public Library was established in 1955 and is situated between two historical ponds of Janakpur—Dhanuschatra Pond and Ganga Sagar. The library was reopened to the public in 2012. In recent times, a team of active and committed local youth workers has contributed to the revival of this library by organizing public book collections for the library. It is open daily for three hours, mainly for newspaper-reading but has few daily visitors.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.facebook.com/events/1028819783848610/ |title=Book Collection and Donation Program |last=Mishra |first=P. |website=[[Facebook]] |access-date=27 March 2016 |archive-date=23 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823152329/https://www.facebook.com/events/1028819783848610/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Ramswarup Ramsagar Multiple Campus|Ramswaroop Ramsagar Multiple Campus]] library is also accessible to the general public.

==Media==
The local media of Janakpur primarily consists of several community radio stations, some TV channels, and a few print newspapers, such as [[Janakpur Today (daily)|Janakpur Today]]. Local Janakpur media primarily consists of radio shows, such as ''Mithila Jagaran''.

== Sister cities ==
*{{flagicon|IND}} [[Ayodhya]], India
** Ayodhya and Janakpur became sister cities in November 2014.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/PM-Narendra-Modi-signs-10-agreements-with-Nepal-inaugurates-bus-service/articleshow/45278008.cms |title=PM Narendra Modi signs 10 agreements with Nepal, inaugurates bus service |work=The Times of India |date=26 November 2014 |access-date=23 February 2021}}</ref> Ayodhya is the birthplace of [[Rama]] and Janakpur is the birthplace of his consort, [[Sita]].<ref>{{cite web |title=MoU on Twinning arrangements between Kathmandu-Varanasi, Janakpur-Ayodhya and Lumbini-Bodh Gaya as sister cities |url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=112053 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823152314/https://pib.gov.in/ErrorPage.html?aspxerrorpath=%2Fnewsite%2FPrintRelease.aspx |archive-date=23 August 2020 |access-date=8 March 2020 |website=pib.gov.in}}</ref>

== Gallery ==
<gallery>
Janaki Mandir, Janakpur 20211009.jpg|Night view of Janaki Temple

Janaki Temple Janakpur-Janakpur030315 MG 36720063.jpg|Inside view of Janaki Temple

Vivah Mandap, Janakpur-September 22, 2016-IMG 7332.jpg|Way to Vivah Mandap

Vivah Mandap, Janakpur-September 22, 2016-IMG 7327-Pano.jpg|Vivah Manadap

Senior leader Nidhi in Janaki temple.jpg|Former Deputy Prime minister and NC Vice president [[Bimalendra Nidhi]] at [[Janaki Mandir]]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at Janaki Mandir, in Janakpur, Nepal on May 11, 2018 (3).JPG|Indian PM Modi in Janakpur wearing famous Maithili cap, [[Paag]]

Sunset_and_vacant_rails_in_lock-down.jpg|Sunset over railway track near Janakpur

Vedi.jpg|Vedi, mani mandap, Janakpur

Janakpur Station, Nepal Railways-20160923-IMG 7914.jpg|Abandoned Old Train at Janakpur station

Atrts of janakpur.jpg|Mithila art

Arts of janakpur@@.jpg|Puctue depuctin King Janak ploughing to discover [[Sita]] Mata

2009-03 Janakpur 36.jpg|Janakpur in 2000's

Janakpur Visit1.jpg|First president of Republic Nepal, [[Ram Baran Yadav]] visiting Janakpur

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri K.P. Sharma Oli flags off the bus service from Nepal’s Janakpur to Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya, at Janakpur, Nepal on May 11, 2018.JPG|Janakpur-Ayodhya bus

2009-03 Janakpur 24.jpg|Old picture of Janaki High School

JanakpurMuraliChowk.jpg|Murali Chowk in 2000's

Janakpur Airport Tower New.jpg|Construction of New Airport buildings
</gallery>

==See also==
{{Portal|Nepal}}
*[[List of cities in Nepal]]
*[[Bimalendra Nidhi]]
*[[Janakpur–Jaynagar Railway]]
*[[Ramswarup Ramsagar Multiple Campus]]
*[[2022 Janakpur municipal election]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Wikivoyage|Janakpur}}
{{Commons category|position=left|Janakpur}}{{Geographic location|Centre=Dhanusa|North=[[Sindhuli District|Sindhuli]] ([[Bagmati Province]])|Northeast=|East=[[Siraha District|Siraha]] ([[Province No. 2]])|Southeast=|South={{flagicon|India}} [[Bihar]]|Southwest=|West=[[Mahottari District|Mahottari]]|Northwest=}}{{Dhanusa District}}{{Metropolitan Municipalities of Nepal}}{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Populated places in Dhanusha District]]
[[Category:Populated places in Mithila, Nepal]]
[[Category:Dhanusha District]]
[[Category:Places in the Ramayana]]
[[Category:Nepal municipalities established in 1962]]
[[Category:Submetropolitan municipalities of Nepal]]
[[Category:Nepalese capital cities]]
[[Category:Janakpur| ]]

Janakpur - Revision history

Ajay Kumar at 07:24, 31 August 2023