Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Nepal Government Declares Janaki Temple a Protected Monument Zone
Nepal has given special protection to the Janaki Temple in Janakpur.
The government marked the temple and its defined surrounding area as a protected monument zone.
This decision was made under Nepal’s Ancient Monuments Preservation Act.
The temple is important to people who worship Sita, also called Janaki.
Many pilgrims from Nepal, India and nearby South Asian areas visit it.
The temple was built in the 19th century and has decorated domes and arches.
It is also called the Nau Lakha Mandir because people believe it cost nine lakh rupees to build.
Nepal hopes the new protection will help preserve the temple and support a future UNESCO listing.
Nepal’s Cabinet declared Janaki Temple a protected monument zone under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1956.
The monument zone’s four boundaries were defined and the decision published in the Nepal Gazette.
Located in Janakpur, the temple is associated with Goddess Sita, also known as Janaki.
The 19th-century white temple is known for ornate domes, arches and intricate decorations.
Nepal aims to preserve the site and pursue UNESCO World Heritage Site listing.
- Who
- Nepal’s government and Cabinet, acting under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1956.
- What
- Declared the Janaki Temple and its defined area a protected monument zone.
- When
- The Cabinet made the declaration; no specific date is provided.
- Where
- Janaki Temple in Janakpur, Madhesh Province, Nepal.
- Why
- To strengthen preservation and management of the heritage site and support efforts to seek UNESCO World Heritage status.
- Legal basis
- Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1956
- Location
- Janakpur, Madhesh Province, Nepal
- Religious association
- Goddess Sita, revered as Janaki
- Construction period
- 19th century
- Popular name
- Nau Lakha Mandir
- Protected-zone boundaries
- The government defined four boundaries
- UNESCO goal
- Nepal aims to list Janaki Temple as a UNESCO World Heritage Site