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Tentative Lists Ram Janaki Temple

Ram Janaki Temple

Date of Submission: 30/01/2008
Criteria: (ii)(iii)(vi)
Category: Cultural
Submitted by:
Department of Archaeology
State, Province or Region:
Dhanusa District, Janakpur Zone, Central Nepal
Coordinates: N26 43 49 E85 55 32
Ref.: 5261
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The Tentative Lists of States Parties are published by the World Heritage Centre at its website and/or in working documents in order to ensure transparency, access to information and to facilitate harmonization of Tentative Lists at regional and thematic levels.

The sole responsibility for the content of each Tentative List lies with the State Party concerned. The publication of the Tentative Lists does not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever of the World Heritage Committee or of the World Heritage Centre or of the Secretariat of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its boundaries.

Property names are listed in the language in which they have been submitted by the State Party

Description

According to Vedic literature, the present Ram Janaki Temple in Janakpur is located at the birthplace of Goddess Sita, consort of Lord Rama. As mentioned in the great epic of the Ramayana, the area belonged to the realms of King Janak. The Ram Janaki Temple is one of the most holy places for Hindus.  Various vestiges of the 11th and 12th Century AD can be found. The temple architecture is of a much later period, however its style is unique; a blend of classical and neo-classical design with elements of fortification within a unique environmental setting.

Statements of authenticity and/or integrity

The religious significance of the Ram Janaki Temple provides for it constant upkeep and maintenance. The monument remains a site for pilgrimage. There are various areas that are potential archeological sites, though these have not been excavated.

Comparison with other similar properties

The Ram Janaki Temple is a religious site and therefore in this respect can be compared to numerous similar sites such as Lumbini World Heritage Site and Pashupati Monument Zone of Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Site. The tangible character of the proposed site is however unique.
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