Janakpur: 2 definitions
Introduction:
Janakpur means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, the history of ancient India. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.
In Hinduism
General definition (in Hinduism)
Source: WikiPedia: HinduismJanakpur (also known as Janakpurdham), is one of the historical and religious cities of Nepal. The Janakpur zone (Janakpuranchal) historically called Mithilanchal, is the place where ancient Maithili culture originated. It has also given birth to Chhath festival, Maithili language and script in this ancient city of Nepal.
The first millennium BC text Shatapatha Brahmana tells that the Nepalese Maithil king Māthava Videgha, led by his priest Gotama Rahugana, first crossed the Sadānirā (Gandaki) river and founded the South Asian kingdom of Videha, whose capital city was Janakpur of Nepal. As Gotama Rahugana composed many hymns in the Rgveda, these events must date to the Rgvedic period.
In the Hindu epic Ramayana, Lord Rama's wife Sita Devi (also called Janaki in Nepal) is said to have been the Nepali princess of Videha. Her father, King Janak of Nepal, found baby Sita in a furrow of a field in visit to Siraha and raised her as his daughter. When she grew up, the king announced that she should be wed by whoever was able to string the divine bow of Shiva. Though many royal suitors tried, Lord Rama, Indian prince of Ayodhya, alone could even lift the bow. As Rama and Sita are major figures in Hinduism, Janakpur is an important Nepalese pilgrimage site for Hindus all over the world.
In addition, both the great Nepali saints Gautama Buddha, founder of buddhism, and Vardamana Mahavira, the 24th and final Tirthankara of the Jain religion, are said to have lived in Janakpur. The region was an important centre for Nepalese history of Mithila during the first millennium.
India history and geography
Source: OpenEdition books: Vividhatīrthakalpaḥ (History)Janakpur (or Jaṇai) is associated with Mihilā, as is mentioned in the Vividhatīrthakalpa by Jinaprabhasūri (13th century A.D.): an ancient text devoted to various Jaina holy places (tīrthas).
The history of India traces the identification of countries, villages, towns and other regions of India, as well as mythology, zoology, royal dynasties, rulers, tribes, local festivities and traditions and regional languages. Ancient India enjoyed religious freedom and encourages the path of Dharma, a concept common to Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism.
See also (Relevant definitions)
Relevant text
Search found 7 books and stories containing Janakpur; (plurals include: Janakpurs). You can also click to the full overview containing English textual excerpts. Below are direct links for the most relevant articles:
Hanuman Nataka (critical study) (by Nurima Yeasmin)
The Brahmanda Purana (by G.V. Tagare)
Chapter 64 - The description of Nimi dynasty (vaṃśa) < [Section 3 - Upodghāta-pāda]
The Vishnu Purana (by Horace Hayman Wilson)
Sripura (Archaeological Survey) (by Bikash Chandra Pradhan)
The Bhagavata Purana (by G. V. Tagare)
Chapter 86 - Elopement of Subhadrā: The Lord’s Grace on Śrutadeva < [Book 10 - Tenth Skandha]