The short answer
Dhanushadham is a small pilgrimage site about twenty kilometres north of Janakpur. According to tradition, when Rama broke the great bow of Shiva at Sita's wedding contest, one piece fell here. A fossil-like fragment is shown and worshipped as part of that bow.
Large crowds gather for a fair held on Sundays in the Hindu month of Magh, roughly January to February, and the temple is calmer on other days. Buses and shared vehicles run from Janakpur, and the site can also be reached from the East-West Highway. Combine it with Jaleshwar or Rangabhoomi for a good half-day.
Key facts
- Distance
- About 20 km north of Janakpur
- Fair
- Sundays of Magh (Jan to Feb)
- Reach
- Bus or hired car
- Crowds
- Heavy on fair days
How it works
- Check the calendarFair dates move with the lunar month.
- Hire a car or take a busFrom Janakpur.
- Visit the shrineLook at the fragment and the pond.
- Add another stopRangabhoomi or Jaleshwar.
- Return before darkEvening roads are slower.
Insider tip
Go on a weekday outside the fair if you want to see the site without crowds.
Avoid this
Do not plan a quick visit on a fair Sunday; traffic and queues can eat the day.
Related questions
When is the Makar Mela?
On Sundays of the month of Magh, around January to February; check the year's dates.
How far is it?
About twenty kilometres from Janakpur.
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