The huge and famous lake, Ganga Sagar in Janakpur is located close the to Janakmahal. The lake is considered sacred and is considered to be one of the more important pools in Janakpur along with Dhanush Sagar. Closeby is the 70-year-old Ganga Sagar library which is frequented by locals who come here to read the newspapers after a morning spent at the lake.
Location
Janakpurdham, Dhanusha
Best Time
Morning / Evening
Duration
Free
Category
Pond
In the Mithila region of the Indian subcontinent, there are many ponds associated with Hinduism. The Nepali city of Janakpur is known as the city of ponds; legend says that the city holds 72 ancient ponds having historical and legendary significance. Gangasagar pond is one of them and is a major sacred pond in the city. It is located at the south of the Shiva Chowk and east from the other sacred pond Dhanushasagar in the city. The sacred ponds of Dhanushasagar and Gangasagar are adjacent to each near the east of the historical Ram Mandir in the city. History Gangasagar is recorded by the saint Sannyasi Shurakishordas in the 17th century after his arrival in the region. In May 1884, a Sanskrit school and its hostel was established in the premises of the pond, through Gutti land endowment process in the city. Around the 1950s, a broken image of Sita was found during the renovation of the ghats of the pond. Legendary stories According to legend, King Mithi, the son of King Nimi of Videha, was born from the Manthan of the dead body of the King Nimi at Gangasagar. After his birth, the city of Videha Kingdom was named as Mithila. In the Vishnu Purana, some stories of the King Janaka in Mithila are connected to Gangasagar. The religious text Janakpur Mahima in the region gives the description of the origin of the sacred pond.
Visiting Hours
Open 24 hours
Recommended Time
Early morning or evening
Entry
Free
Dress Code
Modest clothing for ritual bathing
Photography
Follow site-specific guidelines
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible in main areas
October – March
Approximately 2 km from Janakpur city center (5–10 min by auto-rickshaw)
Auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws, and local buses run frequently from Ramanand Chowk and the main bus park.
Walkable from central Janakpur (20–25 min). Well-marked paths through the old city.
More than just a destination, Ganga Sagar offers a deep connection to the history, art, and soul of Mithila.
Discover the unique palace-style design, intricate details, and Mughal-influenced arches.
Learn about the living traditions, daily aarti, and the spiritual atmosphere surrounding the temple.
Walk through the vibrant nearby markets, observe local craftspeople, and taste authentic food.
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