Overview
Mithila Shakti Peetha, also known as Uma Devi Temple, in Janakpur, Nepal, near the Bihar border, is one of the classical 51 Shakti Peethas, traditionally marking the spot where Sati's left shoulder fell. The goddess is worshipped here as Uma (a form of Parvati), with Shiva present as Mahodar. The temple's white, fort-like architecture houses the deity images on a mountain rock.
History
Janakpur is traditionally identified as the ancient capital of the kingdom of Mithila, ruled by King Janaka, giving the town a dual identity as both this platform's Shakti Peetha site and the traditional birthplace of Sita, wife of Rama and central figure of the Ramayana, a narrative extensively covered elsewhere on this platform's Ayodhya cluster. This gives Janakpur an unusually direct thematic connection between its Shakta and Ramayana devotional identities.
Spiritual Significance
Few sites on this platform combine a classical Shakti Peetha identity with such a direct Ramayana connection; Janakpur's status as Sita's birthplace draws pilgrims for reasons independent of, though complementary to, the Uma Devi temple's own Shakti Peetha significance.
Scriptures & Texts
Editorial note: Scripture references below are based on widely cited scholarly and traditional sources. Specific verse citations should be independently verified before publication.
Uma's identification with Sati's left shoulder is documented in Shakti Peetha Stotram literature; Janakpur's Ramayana connection draws on the Valmiki Ramayana's account of Sita's birth and marriage. Specific verse-level citation requires expert verification before publication.
Prayers at Mithila Shakti Peetha (Uma Devi Temple), Janakpur
आरती श्री रामायण जी की
श्री रघुबीर भक्त हितकारी।सुनि लीजै प्रभु अरज हमारी॥
अस्य श्रीरामरक्षास्तोत्रमन्त्रस्य। बुधकौशिक ऋषिः। श्रीसीतारामचन्द्रो देवता। अनुष्टुप् छन्दः। सीता शक्तिः।
श्री रामचन्द्र कृपालु भजुमन हरण भवभय दारुणं।
Pilgrimage Information
When to visit: October-November and February-March offer the most comfortable weather in the Terai region.
Getting there: Janakpur has its own railway station, well connected to Patna, Kolkata, and Delhi, and is also reachable by road from the Bihar border.
Family Suitability
Well suited to families of all ages, given the easy access and lack of any trekking requirement.
Accommodation
Janakpur offers a reasonable range of accommodation, given its dual status as a Shakti Peetha and major Ramayana pilgrimage site.
Local Services
Reasonable local services are available throughout Janakpur.
Do’s & Don’ts
Do
- Combine the visit with Janakpur's other major Ramayana-associated sites, given the town's dual devotional identity.
- Dress modestly, as at any active Hindu temple.
Don’t
- Don't overlook the Uma Devi/Shakti Peetha significance while focused solely on Janakpur's Ramayana associations, both are independently significant.
Nearby Sacred Locations
- Guhyeshwari Temple, Kathmandu
Another Nepal-based Shakti Peetha, further north in the Kathmandu Valley.
- Ayodhya (overview)
This platform's overview of the Ramayana-associated Ayodhya cluster, thematically linked to Janakpur's Sita birthplace tradition.
- Popular Shakti Peeths of India (overview)
This platform's overview of the wider pan-India Shakti Peetha cluster, which also covers select international sites.
Preservation
As a significant Nepal pilgrimage town with both Shakta and Ramayana devotional importance, Janakpur benefits from Nepal government heritage and tourism infrastructure investment.
Giving Back
Support the temple through its own local trust donation channels, and use registered guides for a respectful, well-informed visit.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-07-10. Scaffolding content: This page was seeded with well-known public information for development purposes and is pending full editorial review before publication.