Rajdevi Mandir, Janakpur

Rajdevi Mandir
राजदेवी मंदिर
Entrance Gate of Rajdevi Mandir, Janakpurdham
Religion
AffiliationHinduism
DistrictDhanusha District
ProvinceMadhesh Pradesh
DeityRajdevi (Shakti)
FestivalDurga Puja
Governing bodyMahavir Youth Committee (since 1990)
Location
LocationRam Mandir, Janakpur, Mithila region, Nepal
CountryNepal

Rajdevi Mandir (Maithili: राजदेवी मन्दिर) at Janakpurdham is the Kuldevi temple of King Janaka in the Mithila region. It is located at a distance of a few steps from the Janaki Mandir in Janakpur.[1][2]

Background

According to legend, Rajdevi was the Kuldevi (the family deity) of the King Janaka in Mithila. Rajdevi Mandir is a Shaktipeetha in the Hindu tradition of Mithila.[1][3]

Etymology

Rajdevi is the composition of the two Indian words Raj and Devi. Raj means state or kingdom or Monarchy and Devi means goddess or holy woman. Hence, the literal meaning of Rajdevi is the Goddess of the Kingdom or the holy woman of the state/kingdom or Royal Goddess.

Description

The temple of Rajdevi is located at the campus of the Ram Mandir complex. The people of Janakpur decorate the Rajdevi Mandir during Sharadiya Navratri. The royal goddess is worshipped in Janakpur with the salute of royal cannons and the prayer for fulfilment of wishes.[1]

Tradition of Bali

There is a tradition of goats sacrifice (Balipradan) in the temple on 8th and 9th day during the Durga Puja festival. Devotees from different parts of India and Nepal come here to participate on the occasion of Balipradan.[4][5]

References