Introduction
This temple is a testament to the cultural and religious significance that permeates the region and holds a special place in the hearts of locals and pilgrims alike.
Janakpurdham. Along with the Ram temple in Janakpurdham, there is the Rajdevi temple on the north side. King Janak's Kuldevi i.e. Rajadevi temple is one of the main Shaktipeeths of Janakpurdham.
History and Origins
The famous Rajdevi temple is very crowded and congested throughout Navratri. Even throughout the year, there is no decrease in the number of people visiting here. But on Navratri, pilgrims come here to visit with special importance and faith.
Rajdevi Temple is dedicated to Goddess Rajdevi, also known as Goddess Rajrajeshwari. The temple's history is deeply intertwined with the legendary love story of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, making it a focal point of devotion for Hindus. According to Hindu mythology, Janakpurdham is believed to be the birthplace of Sita, the consort of Lord Rama. Thus, the town is considered sacred, and Rajdevi Temple is an essential pilgrimage site for devotees
Architecture and Design
The Rajdevi Temple's architecture is a splendid example of Newar craftsmanship. Newar artisans are renowned for their exceptional woodwork, and the temple showcases their skills beautifully. The temple's construction primarily uses wood and brick, adorned with ornate carvings and sculptures.
Women are not allowed to enter the famous Rajdevi temple, which is visited by thousands during Dashain. On other days, even women are allowed to enter inside for darshan, but women are not allowed to enter for 10 days of Vijayadashami.
Religious Significance.
Rajdevi Temple holds immense religious significance for Hindus, particularly for devotees of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita. The temple serves as a site for various religious ceremonies, festivals, and rituals. Janakpurdham itself is known for its deep-rooted connection to the Ramayana, and it's believed to be the location where Lord Ram and Sita's sacred marriage took place.
Although female pilgrims are not allowed to enter, a large number of women visit this temple for darshan. They stand in line for hours and touch the closed window of the temple to worship and make vows. Although women keep this tradition as it is because of their religious beliefs, voices are raised from time to time saying that even women should be allowed to enter the temple and have darshan.
With the beginning of Vijayadashami, there is a special crowd in various monasteries and Shaktipeeths of Janakpur, but the tradition of prohibiting women from visiting Rajdevi temple from Ghatasthapana to Kojagrat Purnima is still in place. During that period, one window of the temple was opened for women. From the same window, female pilgrims return after offering prayers.
Ram Giri, the priest of the Ram Mandir, says that a woman entered the inner part of the temple to worship in the temple of Rajadevi, who was worshiped as the goddess of King Janak during the Treta Yuga, and she disappeared. That is why women are barred from entering the Rajdevi temple, he said.
Giri, the priest of the Ram temple, says,-'There is a tradition of barring women from entering the temple as menstruating women also come for worship. Women are also prohibited from touching the idol of the mother inside the Rajdevi temple because it is worshiped in Tantric method.
Festivals and Celebrations
Janakpurdham and the Rajdevi Temple come alive during various festivals. Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama, is celebrated with great enthusiasm, drawing pilgrims from across the country.
B.S In the year 2020, a Mahant named Nareshananda Giri stopped the sacrificial practice here and did not offer the sacrifice. He also said that when he did not offer the sacrifice, he got unlucky and later offered the sacrifice after performing the Kshama Pooja.
Maha Ashtami Festival is Being Celebrated
15 thousand 251 goats have been sacrificed in Rajdevi temple. There is a tradition of offering sacrifices to Rajdevi Mata every year on the evening of Maha Ashtami.
The chairman of Mahavir Yuva Committee informed that the sacrifice program which started at 8:20 in the evening continued till 4 in the morning. 4 days of sacrifice were fixed. Local Mahavir Yuva Committee, Ganesh Yuva Committee, Ram Yuva Committee managed the goat sacrifice.
The Janakpurdham Guthi Sansthan collected money at the rate of 200 rupees per bag for offering sacrifices. There was a crowd of people offering sacrifices in Janakpur since afternoon.
In the Rajadevi temple, which is the main deity of King Janak, there is a goat sacrifice on the night of Mahashtami only one day a year.
In this temple, which is considered as the goddess of the Janakavanshi king, there is a practice of sacrificing a goat for truth in untruth, religion in iniquity, light in darkness and fulfillment of deeds and wishes.
Visiting Rajdevi Temple
Rajdevi Temple is easily accessible within Janakpurdham, which is well-connected by road and rail. The town itself is located in the Terai region of Nepal, offering a unique cultural experience distinct from the mountainous regions of the country.
Before visiting, it's advisable to check for any local customs or dress code requirements, as temples in Nepal often have specific guidelines for visitors. Remember to be respectful and considerate of the temple's sanctity while visiting.
Conclusion
