Janaki Temple

Janaki Temple at Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi, Bihar, is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Sita, believed to be her birthplace. Located about 5 km southwest of Sitamarhi town, the temple is a major pilgrimage centre in the Mithila region. The present structure is a modern marble temple built around the sacred site, attracting devotees especially during Ram Navami and Janaki Navami.

Visitors can expect a white marble temple complex with a sanctum housing idols of Goddess Sita, Lord Rama and Lakshmana, set within a walled courtyard at Punaura Dham. The surroundings include a sacred pond (Sita Kund), open courtyards, prayer halls and small shops selling offerings and souvenirs. The atmosphere is devotional with daily prayers, chanting and rituals, and larger gatherings during festivals.

Punaura Dham in Sitamarhi is traditionally identified as the birthplace of Goddess Sita as described in the Ramayana, where King Janaka is said to have found her while ploughing the field. The site has long been a place of worship, with the present Janaki Temple constructed in recent decades to enshrine the sacred spot and Sita Kund. The district administration and Bihar tourism recognize it as a key religious heritage site of Mithila.

The temple is a major centre of devotion for followers of Hinduism, especially devotees of Sita and Rama, and an important symbol of Mithila culture. Annual observances such as Janaki Navami (Sita Navami), Vivah Panchami and Ram Navami draw large congregations. Rituals, bhajans and fairs during these festivals reflect local traditions and the continued reverence for Goddess Janaki as an ideal figure in the region.