essay about janakpur in english

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All about Janakpur: the city of Sita’s birth

Later, while living in the jungles of the Vindhya mountains after Rama was exiled from his home in Ayodhya where he was supposed to inherit the throne, Sita was kidnapped by the powerful Ravana who, deluged by her beauty, wanted her for himself.

Rama, of course, with the help of his brother Lakshman, the mighty Hanuman , and an army of  vanaras (the race of intelligent forest dwellers Hanuman belonged to), found Ravana and defeated him in battle. Rescuing Sita, the couple returned to Ayodhya, where its citizens welcomed Rama with open arms, as he triumphantly took his rightful place as king.

As for Janakpur, Hindu texts say it continued to be ruled by the Vaidehi kings until many years later, when a great war (known today as the culmination of India’s second epic, the Mahabharata ) brought an end to the dynasty.

Destroyed by the opposing army, the remains of the city were engulfed in jungle,  as the auspicious site of Sita’s birthplace disappeared from the eyes of the world, becoming in the minds of many, nothing more than an imagined obscurity of the ancient past.

Naturally, such obscurity was not destined to last, for in the 16th and 17th centuries CE, when the practice of Rama worship spread throughout the Ganges basin, so did a desire to discover the various sacred sites connected to his beloved pastimes.

And for a while it seemed this desire was being satiated, as many of these places, like Ayodhya (Rama’s birthplace), and Chitrakut (where he, Lakshman, and Sita spent 12 years of their exile), were indeed found and established as sites of pilgrimage.

Yet, as the years rolled by, and the location of Janakpur continued to remain a mystery, it seemed fate was playing a cruel trick on Rama and Sita’s devotees, depriving them of a most cherished spiritual sanctuary.

It eventually became apparent, however, that fate was merely taking its time, waiting for the right people to come along, one’s whose devotional longings were so potent, that Rama and Sita could not help but reciprocate, and in ways that were most extraordinary.

The first two devotees to become recipients of this reciprocation, according to the oral testimonies of various bards and pandits, were ascetics named Chaturbhuj Giri and Sur Kishor, both of whom arrived at the ancient site of Janakpur during roughly the turn of the 18th century CE.

In Giri’s case, it’s said he traveled to northern Mithila to find a place of solitude in the region’s wilderness so that he could deepen his focus of devotion to Rama and Sita by further disciplining his mind, body, and speech.

One day, while taking a break in the course of his journey to sleep under the shelter of an old banyan tree, Rama appeared to him in a dream.

“Where you now lie sleeping,” Rama told him, “is the land on which the ancient city of Janakpur once stood…Before departing for Ayodhya after my marriage with Sita, I gave to my father-in-law four images of myself so that he might gaze upon them to help ease the pain of our separation. These images lie buried in this ground. Raise them up so that they can once again be gazed upon by those who wish to obtain release from this transient world of dualities.”

Initially overwhelmed with joy at the sound of his beloved deity’s voice, Giri quickly became dejected.

“How can I serve you in this lonely jungle,” he replied. “I do not have the means by which to build you a palace or offer you nice meals. When devotees, hearing of your presence, eagerly travel to this place to seek your divine vision, but quickly realize how poorly you live, I will hang my head in shame.” 

Rama, whose sustenance is derived not from opulence, but only from the sincere love of his devotees said, “I will be content with whatever you’re able to offer me — be it some water, fruits, or even a handful of uncooked rice. If it’s brought to me by a devotee, then these things will be more than sufficient.”

Encouraged by Rama’s words, Giri woke up and swiftly began digging. Quickly discovering the described murti tangled in the roots of the banyan tree, he erected them in the shade of that same tree, and immediately began his worship of them.

Kishor, on the other hand, is said to have already had within his possession an image of his beloved deity, a murti of Sita as a maiden. Treating her with the affection of an uncle, he carried her with him wherever he went, be it the temple garden to pick flowers for weaving, or the local bazaar where he would lovingly ask her which sweet she wanted.

Though his devotion was immense, he felt unsettled in his service, believing it was only in Janakpur, the city of her father, where Sita actually spent her youth, that he would be able to most appropriately worship her in the form of a maiden. One day, while muttering these thoughts to himself, the murti of Sita unexpectedly responded.

“Leave me here and go to the land enclosed by the Himalayas, Ganges, Kosi, and Gandaki,” she said. There, when I reappear to you, you will know you have found the fulfillment of your desire, the place of my father’s kingdom.”

Eager to follow Sita’s instruction, Kishor did as he was told, losing no time in setting out for the described location alone. Sometime after reaching the jungles of northern Mithila, he stopped for rest under a margosa tree. There, as he sat to soothe the aching of his feet, the murti of Sita he had left behind suddenly emerged from the ground, soothing the aching of his heart

Knowing he had found the destination of his desire, Kishor jubilantly began singing, expressing his devotion to Sita with a renewed and most powerful vigor. She was finally where she belonged. And so was he.

Not long after Giri and Kishor discovered ancient Janakpur — it’s uncertain who discovered it first — other ascetics, anxious to experience it for themselves, also followed. It’s believed that cowherds and shepherds, who would bring their herds and flocks to the area due to its greener pastures during the spring months, sometimes came across the ascetics residing there.

Beholding the deities for themselves, the cowherds and shepherds, upon returning home, would tell the people of their villages about the discovery of Janakpur. As more and more seekers thus began visiting the sacred site, word of its existence soon reached the king of Makwanpur, the ruler of those lands.

Intrigued by what he heard, the king made his own trip to Janakpur, where he was given the opportunity to offer worship to the deities of Rama and Sita himself. After several such visits, he eventually bestowed on the ascetics rights to manage the income of the land on behalf of the deities. 

Soon, much of the jungle was cleared and the land was cultivated, the rent from which was used to build temples and facilities for visiting pilgrims. Reluctant to leave the spiritual sanctuary, many of these pilgrims opted to stay, building homes near the monasteries. As more immigrants arrived and turned to trade, a bazaar was established. Thus, the city of Janakpur, in its new incarnation, began taking shape.

Though these stories surrounding the reemergence of Janakpur gladden the hearts of devotees worldwide, inspiring them to deepen their own devotional practices, there are those outside of the Hindu faithful, obviously, who give little credence to such tales.

Archaeological evidence reveals, in fact, the larger region Janakpur was rediscovered in wasn’t all just desolate jungle as the bards and pandits claim in their stories, but had already been settled by a medley of agricultural Hindu chieftaincies, leading many to theorize that Janakpur too was probably already settled.

Because there’s no evidence that can confirm whether this theory is actually true, the best one can do is recognize the possibility that Janakpur was inhabited before Giri and Kishor’s arrival, and that the two of them could have just verified a local tradition, which they then spread to others.

Whatever the case, nothing can take away from the reality that Janakpur has grown into a most remarkable spiritual destination over the centuries. Now a hub of religious and cultural tourism, the city is home to more than 70 Hindu temples, the foremost of which is the 60-roomed and three-storied majestic Janaki Mandir, dedicated to Sita.

Hosting thousands of visitors every year, the temple’s devotees are a reminder that the power of a pilgrimage site is not manifested by any particular location, but by the sincere devotion of those who reside there.

As long as such devotees exist on this earth, so will Janakpur, even when the waves of inexhaustible time does all it can to wash it away.

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The last major migration of Hindus took place in the 20th century, when migration patterns in the post-colonial era took many to the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States, and later, countries such as Australia and New Zealand. Hindu migration to the United States grew after the repeal of the Asian Exclusion Act in 1965, but took another major leap in the 1990s with the growth of the U.S. technology industry. Today, there are more than 3 million Hindus in the U.S.. The state of Washington was one of the first points of entry to the US for Indian immigrants via Canada or by boat. Most Indian immigrants came with just one trunk or suitcase containing some clothing and a few items to remind them of home. Many left their families behind to make the 10,000-mile journey, with only hope for new and better opportunities in an unknown place. Today, there are approximately four million Hindus in North America

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Yoga is considered Hinduism’s gift to humanity. At its broadest, yoga, from the root word “yuj” in Sanskrit, means to unite. Most Hindu texts discuss yoga as a practice to control the senses and ultimately, the mind. The most famous is the Bhagavad Gita (dating back to 6th-3rd Century BCE), in which Krishna speaks of four types of yoga – bhakti, or devotion; jnana, or knowledge; karma, or action; and dhyana, or concentration (often referred to as raja yoga, though not all sources agree on the term) – as paths to achieve moksha (enlightenment), the ultimate goal according to Hindu understanding. According to a 2016 study,  in the United States there are an estimated 36.7 million people currently practicing yoga in the United States

The Hindu Roots of Yoga

Swami Viveknanda is often remembered for with bringing Hindu teachings and practices — such as yoga and transcendental meditation — to Western audiences. In 1893, he was officially introduced to the United States at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago, where he called for religious tolerance and described Hinduism as “a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance.” The day that Swami Vivekananda delivered his speech at the Parliament of Religions is now known as ‘World Brotherhood Day.’ And his birthday, known as Swami Vivekananda Jayanti, is honored on January 12th each year. On this day he is commemorated and recognized for his contributions as a modern Hindu monk and respected guru of the Vedanta philosophy of Hinduism. In 1900, Swami Viveknanda founded the Vedanta Society in California and to date there are 36 Vedanta Society Centers in the United States.

Swami Vivekananda Influenced Countless Americans

According to Vedic cosmology, 108 symbolizes the multiverse, representing the universe and all of existence. It is for this reason it is an auspicious number in many Hindu Dharma traditions, and recitation of mantras, repetitions of specific spiritual practices, and amounts for charity are calculated as divisions or multiples of 108. 

Why is 108 significant? Many reasons; the chief of which is the symbolism in the Vedāntic philosophical tradition. 8 represents the human body (5 senses plus mind, intellect, and awareness), and 1 represents the oneness of Brahman, the Ultimate Reality. Although they are perceived as far away from each other, there is actually 0 distance between the two, as Brahman pervades everything. Another reason, in some Hindu monotheist Dharma traditions like Śākta Dharma, 108 represents the perfection of Śakti, as 1+0+8 = 9, the perfect number. The digits of every multiple of 9, when added together (e.g. 9x2 = 18 and the individual digits of 18, 1 and 8, when added together equal 9). Similarly everything is an emanation of Śakti, and is composed of Śakti. 108 finds significance in numerous other Hindu Dharma traditions and philosophical traditions such as Yoga, Sāṅkhya, etc., and even in other Dharma traditions, like Jainism and Buddhism.

5 Things to know about 108

Here's How the Number 108 Binds Us to the Universe

A decade after slavery was abolished in 1834, the British government began the inhumane indentured servitude system, taking Indians by force, duplicitous “agreements” or through false incentives to work on their estates in other British Colonies such as Jamaica, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago.  In Trinidad, from 1845 to 1917, the slavers’ ships would continue to arrive, carrying over 140,000 Indentured Indians to the island. Though they faced the exact same slave owners now as their “overseers”, sanitized by the Indentured Servitude system, they were subjected to the same horrors and living conditions as the enslaved Africans before them. Nevertheless, Hindus persevered: they maintained their culture and spirituality despite the horrors of the Indentureship system, the attempts to eradicate their language, and the overt and covert attempts to destroy their religion. Today, roughly 18% of Trinidad & Tobago, 31% of Guyana, 1% of Jamaica, 20% of Suriname, 1% of Barbados’ populations are proudly Hindu. They bring traditions from the United Provinces and Madras Presidency regions of the formerly British India; indeed, they practice Hindu Dharma traditions that existed before India was split into Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India – with some of the strongest Hindu-Muslim relationships globally. There are thousands of Hindu temples in the Caribbean, welcoming all who wish to enter and where many beloved Hindu festivals take place. But for some, the migration journey doesn’t ended as New York and Florida have seen the development of large Indo-Caribbean communities.

Hinduism beyond India: Trinidad and Tobago

From ancient tribes to present-day devotees, tattoos have held a special place for Hindus over millennia. In the Indian states of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, the Ramnaami community invoked Rama’s protection with tattoos of the name “Rama” in Sanskrit on every inch of their skin.The Mahabharata tells the story of the Pandavas that were exiled to the Kutch district of Gujarat. Today, their descendants - members of the Ribari tribe - live as their ancestors did, with women covered in tattoos that symbolize their people’s strong spirit for survival. Some Hindus consider tattoos as protective emblems, and have such as tattoos of sacred mandalas, mantras, the Triśūla, a trident of Śrī Śiva, or the Sudarśana Cakra, a discus of Śrī Vāsudeva, etc. Mehndi (from the Sanskrit mendhikā), a plant-based temporary tattoo, is commonly applied at weddings and other ceremonies as a form of celebration of love and spirituality. While tattoos have been in certain Hindu tribes and communities for millennia, tattoos as symbols of honor, devotion, and even fashion are incredibly popular today. Hindus and non Hindus alike are welcome to adorn themselves with Hindu emblems and tattoos that reflect inspirational Hindu spiritual values.

Guidelines for Commercial Use of Hindu Images

The celebration of Navarātri by Śākta Hindus honors the Supreme Feminine, Śākti. There are four Navarātri periods a year, but the autumnal Navarātri (usually in Sept-Oct) is the most widely observed. Śākta traditions can be regional and tribal, or pan-regional. So, there can be a lot of variety in the celebration of the festival. In some homes, there will be a focus on the ceremonies of thanksgiving known as Durgā Pūjā and the recitation of the 700-verse account of the appearance and activities of Śrī Durgā, a ten-armed manifestation of Śakti. Devout practitioners will fast for the nine nights and undertake focussed spiritual practices for the period. Other homes focus on attending Garbā, a dance festival. Yet other homes set up elaborate Golu, a festive display of icons and dolls that starts with the representations of divine beings at the top and ends with dioramas of normal human and animal life towards the bottom. Some Hindus honor the nine-forms of Śrī Durgā; others honor Śrī Durgā, Śrī Lakṣmī, and Śrī Sarasvatī. Some regional traditions will use this time for their medium/oracle to channel the energy of Śakti for the benefit of their community. For some Hindus, this is the most important festival of the year; for others, it is a cultural festival in which they can see a variety of events, from spiritual to cultural, and enjoy a lot of regional delicacies in the shared dinners. However a Hindu chooses to engage with the festival, the celebrations are a poignant reminder of the centrality and power of the Feminine, and is a constant reminder to males, females, and those of the third nature - even if one is not spiritual at all - to honor females and femininity wherever and however they choose to be.

Nine Things to Know About Navaratri

Vijayā Daśamī celebrates the culmination of battle in two major Hindu Religious Traditions. For Vaiṣṇavas, the festival celebrates the defeat of Rāvaṇa, often depicted as having ten heads that represent his mammoth stubbornness and ego which led to the war between his army and Śrī Rāma with his legendary army of forest animals. For Śāktas, Vijayā Daśamī celebrates the defeat of the personification of egotism, Mahiṣāsura, by the Supreme Feminine, Śakti, herself, manifested as Śrī Durgā. It marks the end of nine-nights of festivities and spiritual practices prior, known as Navarātri. Vaiṣṇavas observe them by nine days of reading the Rāmāyaṇa epic and watching reenactments of the story known as Rāma Līlā. For Śāktas, the celebration of Navarātri can feature elaborate ceremonies known as Durgā Pūjā, recitation of the Caṇḍī Pāṭha/Durgā Saptaśatī, or community dances known as Garbā or Kolaṭṭam. On Vijayā Daśamī day, the clay icons of Durgā that were used as focal points in the ceremonies are returned to the rivers from which the clay came; and Vaiṣṇavas have a bonfire in which the effigy of Rāvaṇa is burned, and the ashes are used to plough the fields for the winter sowing season.

Hinduism 101 & Women

The most treasured of the ethical values of Hindus is ahiṃsā: non-harm through thought, word, or action, and they try to live in accordance with this ideal, as much as possible. Of course, context and a person’s own life journey will dictate exactly how much this value can suffuse their habits. However, one chief way Hindus live the value of ahiṃsā is lived by Hindus is in relation to other living beings. In humans, Hindus live ahiṃsā by resorting to harm only when all diplomacy fails and greater harm will result from inaction. They will especially protect the symbols of ideal humans: humble people, innocent people, and the young or frail. For plants, Hindus avoid cutting down trees and play an active part in ensuring the natural environment is sustained. They will especially protect and venerate those trees and plants that have a sacred and health benefit to humans, like Tulasi, Neem, and others. Finally, in regards to animals, Hindus will either have or aspire to a plant-based diet, or if they prefer to eat meat, then they will keep certain days free from meat. They will protect those animals that symbolize selflessness, and  the symbiotic relationship between humans and the animals - such as cows, elephants, snakes, etc.

Dairy Is Traditionally Sattvic Food, but the Way We Treat Cows Today Can Be Tamasic

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Gandhi Jayanti marks the birthday of Mohandas K. Gandhi, the ‘Father of the Nation’ for India and the Indian Diaspora. To honor Gandhi’s message of ahimsa (non-violence), volunteer events and commemorative ceremonies are conducted and statues of Gandhi are also decorated with flower garlands. Gandhi and the satyagraha (adherence to truth) has inspired many of America’s most prominent civil rights and social impact movements and leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr., and César Chávez. The United Nations declared October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence in honor of Gandhi, whose work continues to inspire civil rights movements across the world.

Examining the Impact of Mahatma Gandhi on Social Change Movements

Why We Should Not Tear Down Statues of Gandhi

In 1906, the Vedanta Society built the Old Temple in San Francisco, California but as this was not considered a formal temple, many don’t credit this with being the first. Others believe it is the Shiva Murugan Temple built in 1957 in Concord, California, whereas others believe it is the Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devanstanam in New York that should be considered the first. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 facilitated the journey of many Indian immigrants to the United States. In this new land, many created home shrines and community temples to practice and hold pujas (services). As Hindu American populations grew in metropolitan and rural areas, so did the need to find a permanent temple site for worship. Today, there are nearly 1,000 temples in the United States . Regardless of where you live, you have the right to practice your faith. 

A Guide To Temple Safety and Security

5 Things to Know About Visiting a Hindu Temple

Explore ancient wisdom and modern perspectives in Hinduism.

Start your search.

Before becoming an Islamic state, Afghanistan was once home to a medley of religious practices, the oldest being Hinduism. A long time ago, much of Afghanistan was part of an ancient kingdom known as Gandhara, which also covered parts of northern Pakistan.Today, many of Afghanistan’s province names, though slightly altered, are clearly Sanskrit in origin, hinting at the region’s ancient past. To cite a few examples, Balkh comes from the Sanskrit Bhalika, Nangarhar from Nagarahara, and Kabul from Kubha. Though Gandhara’s earliest mention can be found in the Vedas, it is better known for its connections to the Hindu epics the Mahabharata and Ramayana. There is also the historic Asamai temple in Kabul located on a hill named after the Hindu Goddess of hope, Asha. The temple has survived numerous conflicts and attacks but it still stands. The temple is a remnant from Hindu Shahi Kings, who ruled from the Kabul Valley as far back as 850 CE. However, Hindus are indigenous but endangered minorities in Afghanistan, numbering approximately 700 out of a community that recently included over 8,000 members. Many have left for new homes, include in New York which is home to a large Afghani Hindu population.

Hinduism is the religion of almost 25% of Guyana’s population, making it the country with the highest percentage of Hindus in the Western Hemisphere. But from British professional recruiting agents targeting rural and uneducated Indians, to the aggressiveness of Christian proselytization of Hindus with a promise of a better life, Hinduism has been in a steady decline for many decades with many escaping to the United States for better opportunities and to practice their religion freely. Today, over 80% of Guyanese Americans live in the Northeastern United States with heavy concentrations in New Jersey and in New York, where a “Little Guyana”  helps these immigrants stay connected to their Guyanese roots.

Karwa Chauth

Yoga is considered Hinduism’s gift to humanity. At its broadest, yoga, from the root word “yuj” in Sanskrit, means to unite. Most Hindu texts discuss yoga as a practice to control the senses and ultimately, the mind. The most famous is the Bhagavad Gita (dating back to 6th-3rd Century BCE), in which Krishna speaks of four types of yoga – bhakti, or devotion; jnana, or knowledge; karma, or action; and dhyana, or concentration (often referred to as raja yoga, though not all sources agree on the term) – as paths to achieve moksha (enlightenment), the ultimate goal according to Hindu understanding. According to a 2016 study,  in the United States there are an estimated 36.7 million people currently practicing yoga in the United States.

According to Vedic cosmology, 108 is the basis of creation, representing the universe and all our existence. As the soul is encased in two types of bodies: the physical body (made of earth, water, fire, air, and ether) and the subtle body (composed of intelligence, mind and ego), Swami Viveknanda is often attributed with bringing Hindu teachings and practices — such as yoga and transcendental meditation — to Western audiences. In 1893, he was officially introduced to the United States at the World’s Parliament of Religions in Chicago, where in his speech he called for religious tolerance and described Hinduism as “a religion which has taught the world both tolerance and universal acceptance.” The day that Swami Vivekananda delivered his speech at the Parliament of Religions is now known as ‘World Brotherhood Day.’ And his birthday, known as Swami Vivekananda Jayanti, is honored on January 12th each year. On this day he is commemorated and recognized for his contributions as a modern Hindu monk and respected guru of the Vedanta philosophy of Hinduism. In 1900, Swami Viveknanda founded the Vedanta Society in California and to date there are 36 Vedanta Society Centers in the United States.

According to Vedic cosmology, 108 is the basis of creation, representing the universe and all our existence. As the soul is encased in two types of bodies: the physical body (made of earth, water, fire, air, and ether) and the subtle body (composed of intelligence, mind and ego), 108 plays a significant role in keeping these two bodies healthily connected. Hindus believe the body holds seven chakras, or pools of energy, which begin at the bottom of the spine and go all the way down to the top of the head and it is believed there are 108 energy lines that converge to form the heart chakra. Ayurveda says there are 108 hidden spots in the body called marma points, where various tissues like muscles, veins, and ligaments meet. These are vital points of life force, and when they are out of balance, energy cannot properly flow throughout the body. Sun salutations, yogic asanas that honor the sun god Surya, are generally completed in nine rounds of 12 postures, totaling 108. Mantra meditation is usually chanted on a set of 108 beads.   In Hinduism there are 108 Upanishads, the sacred texts of wisdom from ancient sages. Additionally, in the Sanskrit alphabet, there are 54 letters. Each letter has a feminine, or Shakti, and masculine, or Shiva, quality. 54 multiplied by 2 equals 108. Ultimately, breathwork, chanting, studying scripture, and asana’s help harmonize one’s energy with the energy of the supreme spiritual source. These processes become especially effective when they are performed in connection with the number 108. Hindu scriptures strive to remind people of this divine commonality by continuously highlighting the innumerable threads connecting everything in existence. One of these threads is the number 108.

A decade after slavery was abolished in 1834, the British government began importing indentured labor from India to work on their estates in other countries such as Trinidad and Tobago.  From 1845 to 1917, the ships would continue to arrive, carrying over 140,000 Indians to the island, facilitating Trinidad's population growth from Indian laborers. Today, there are roughly 240,000 declared Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago, comprising about 18% of the island’s population. There are a total of about 300 temples on the island, welcoming all who wish to enter and where many beloved Hindu festivals take place. But for some, the migration journey doesn’t end as New York and Florida have seen the development of large Indo-Caribbean communities.

From ancient tribes to present-day devotees, tattoos have held a special place in Hinduism for centuries. In the Indian states of Bihar and Madhya Pradesh, the Ramnaami community invoked Rama’s protection with tattoos of the name “Rama” in Sanskrit on every inch of their skin, including the tongue and inside the lips.The Mahabharata tells the story of the Pandavas that were exiled to the Kutch district of Gujarat. Today, their descendants - members of the Ribari tribe - live as their ancestors did, with women covered in tattoos that symbolize their people’s strong spirit for survival. Some Hindus consider tattoos as protective emblems,such as tattoos of Hanuman are often used to relieve physical or mental pain. People will often get tattoos of other deities to invoke their blessings. Mehndi, a plant-based temporary tattoo, is commonly done at weddings and religious ceremonies as a form of celebration of love and spirituality. While tattoos have been in Hindu communities for centuries, tattoos as symbols of honor, devotion, and even fashion are incredibly popular today. Hindus and non Hindus alike adorn themselves with Hindu emblems and tattoos that reflect Hindu teachings.

Navaratri (nuhv-uh-RA-three) is a nine night celebration of the feminine divine that occurs four times a year — the spring and fall celebrations being amongst the more widely celebrated. Some traditions honor the nine manifestations of Goddess Durga, while others celebrate the three goddesses (Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati) with three days dedicated to each. This is a time to recognize the role in which the loving, compassionate, and gentle — yet sometimes powerful and fierce — feminine energy plays in our lives.

Dussehra (duh-sheh-RAH) or Vijayadashmi (vi-juhyuh-dushuh-mee) celebrates the victory of Lord Rama over the ten-headed demon King Ravana. This also marks the end of Ramalila — a brief retelling of the Ramayana and the story of Rama, Sita, and Lakshman in the form of dramatic reading or dance. It also signifies the end of negativity and evil within us (vices, biases, prejudices) for a fresh new beginning. Dussehra often coincides with the end of Navratri and Duga Puja, and celebrations can last ten days, with huge figures of Ravana set ablaze as a reminder that good always prevails over evil.

Many Hindus hold reverence for the cow as a representation of mother earth, fertility, and Hindu values of selfless service, strength, dignity, and non-harming. Though not all Hindus are vegetarian, for this reason many traditionally abstain from eating beef. This is often linked with the concept of ahimsa (non-violence), which can be applied to diet choices and our interactions with the environment, and potentially determine our next birth, according to the doctrine of karma. This is part of the reason that some Hindus may choose a vegetarian lifestyle as an expression of ahimsa as well as explains the growing number of cow protection projects that are led by individuals who have felt compelled to put their Hindu values into practice. The US is home to several cow protection projects and sanctuaries

The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 facilitated the journey of many Indian immigrants to the United States. In this new land, many created home shrines and community temples to practice and hold pujas (services). As Hindu American populations grew in metropolitan and rural areas, so did the need to find a permanent temple site for worship. In 1906, the Vedanta Society built the Old Temple in San Francisco, California but as this was not considered a formal temple, many don’t credit this with being the first. Others believe it is the Shiva Murugan Temple built in 1957 in Concord, California, whereas others believe it is the Maha Vallabha Ganapati Devanstanam in New York that should be considered the first. Today, there are nearly 1,000 temples in the United States . Regardless of where you live, you have the right to practice your faith.

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Janaki Mandir: Sacred Hindu Temple in Janakpur

Explore janaki mandir, a sacred hindu temple in janakpur, nepal. experience the serenity and devotion at this revered place of worship..

The Historical and Cultural Significance of Janaki Mandir:

• Janaki Mandir holds immense historical and cultural importance as it is believed to be the birthplace of Goddess Sita, the consort of Lord Rama, according to Hindu mythology.
• The temple derives its name from King Janak, who ruled the region and was also the father of Goddess Sita. It stands as a testament to the rich heritage and legacy of the ancient city of Janakpur.
• The temple complex encompasses not only the main shrine but also about 70 smaller temples dedicated to various deities, making it a significant religious site for Hindus worldwide.
• Janaki Mandir has become one of the most prominent pilgrimage destinations for devotees seeking blessings and spiritual solace.

Architectural Marvel and Design:

• Janaki Mandir is a true architectural masterpiece, showcasing the exquisite Rajput architecture of Nepal. Its grandeur and intricate craftsmanship mesmerize visitors from all walks of life.
• The three-storied structure is constructed entirely with stone and marble, spanning an area of approximately 4860 square feet. The bright white color of the temple adds to its ethereal beauty.
• Rising 50 meters above the ground, the temple boasts 60 rooms adorned with colored glass, elegant paintings, and intricate engravings. These elements reflect the classic blend of classical and neo-classical designs.
• The main shrine of the temple houses the sacred scriptures of Goddess Sita, Lord Rama, and Lord Lakshmana. The interior of the temple exudes a sense of tranquility and devotion.

The Mythological Connection:

• According to legends, the golden statue of Goddess Sita was discovered in 1657 AD by Sannyasi Shurkishordas, the founder of modern Janakpur and a renowned poet. This discovery further solidified the city's association with Goddess Sita.
• Janaki Mandir is built on the exact spot where the golden statue was found, and it is believed to be the place where Goddess Sita resided during her time on Earth. This sacred spot holds deep spiritual significance for devotees.
• The temple also holds historical importance, as it is believed that King Janak performed the worship of Shiva-Dhanus at this very site. This adds to the temple's sanctity and attracts devotees seeking divine blessings.

Location and Surroundings:

• Janaki Mandir is situated in Janakpurdham, in the Dhanusa district of Nepal's Terai region. This picturesque location in the Mithila region enhances the temple's charm and spiritual aura.
• The temple lies approximately 225 kilometers southeast of the Kathmandu valley, making it easily accessible for devotees and tourists.
• The surroundings of Janaki Mandir are adorned with about 115 ancient ponds, each holding historical and mythological significance. These ponds add to the serene ambiance and offer a place for devotees to reflect and meditate.
• Visitors can also witness the lush beauty of mango orchards nearby, further enhancing the overall spiritual experience and providing a tranquil retreat.

Pilgrimage and Festivals:

• Janaki Mandir holds immense significance as a renowned pilgrimage site, attracting thousands of devotees from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, and other countries. Pilgrims visit the temple to offer their prayers, seek blessings, and immerse themselves in the divine atmosphere.
• Vivah Panchami, an annual festival celebrating the divine union of Goddess Sita and Lord Rama, draws large crowds of devotees during the months of November and December. The festivities during this time are vibrant and joyous, reflecting the sacred bond between the divine couple.
• Other important festivals celebrated at Janaki Mandir include Ram Navami, Dashain, Tihar, and Chhath. These festivals provide devotees with an opportunity to participate in sacred rituals, witness colorful processions, and experience the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is janaki mandir, why is janaki mandir significant, when was janaki mandir built, what is the architectural style of janaki mandir, what is the mythological connection of janaki mandir, where is janaki mandir located, are there any other temples within the janaki mandir complex, what are the main festivals celebrated at janaki mandir, can non-hindus visit janaki mandir, are there any historical ponds near janaki mandir, what is the best time to visit janaki mandir.

• JanakiMandir
• HinduTemple
• ReligiousTourism
• SacredPlaces
• NepalTourism
• PilgrimageSite
• GoddessSita
• RajputArchitecture
• JanakiTempleTour

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