Nepal Declares Janaki Temple in Janakpur a Protected Monument Zone

The Nepal government has declared the Janaki Temple in Janakpur a protected monument zone, recognizing its cultural, religious and historical significance. The Cabinet made the declaration under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1956, with the ministry defining four boundaries around the site and publishing a notice in Nepal Gazette.

Located in Madhesh Province, the temple is traditionally associated with Goddess Sita and serves as an important pilgrimage destination for devotees from Nepal, India and South Asia. The protection aims to regulate activities around the monument while safeguarding its architectural and cultural character.

Nepal has set a goal of listing the Janaki Temple as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The 19th-century temple is one of the country's most prominent heritage sites.