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{{Other uses|Sita Samahit Sthal}}
{{For|the temple|Sita Samahit Sthal}}
{{More citations needed|date=May 2024}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2018}}
{{Use Indian English|date=March 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2013}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2022}}
{{Infobox settlement
{{Infobox settlement
| name                           =  
| name = Sitamarhi
| native_name_lang               =  
| native_name_lang =  
| other_name                     =
| other_name = Mithila<ref>{{cite web|last=Thakur |first=Ripunjay Kumar |date=1 March 2022|title=Historical Geography of Early Medieval Mithila: From Videha to Tirhut.|url=https://www.academia.edu/72670545|publisher=New Archaeological & Genological Society, Kanpur, India|issn=2348-8301|access-date=21 August 2025}}</ref>
| settlement_type                = City
| settlement_type = City
| image_skyline                  =
| image_skyline = {{ multiple image
| image_caption                  =
| border                        = infobox
| pushpin_map                    = India Bihar
| total_width                    = 290
| pushpin_label_position          = right
| image_style                    = border:1
| pushpin_map_caption            = Location in Bihar, India
| perrow                        = 1/2/
| coordinates                    = {{coord|26.6|N|85.48|E|display=inline,title}}
| image1                        = Sitamarhi6.JPG
| subdivision_type                = Country
| image2                        = Bagahi Math Sitamarhi, Bihar.jpg
| subdivision_name                = [[India]]
| image3                        = Janakisthan, Sitamarhi, Bihar.jpg
| subdivision_type1              = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1              = [[Bihar]]
| subdivision_type3              = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name3              = [[Sitamarhi district|Sitamarhi]]
| subdivision_type2              = [[List of regions of India|Region]]
| subdivision_name2              = [[Mithila (region)|Mithila]]
| established_title              = <!-- Established -->
| established_date                =
| unit_pref                      = Metric
| area_total_km2                  =
| elevation_footnotes            =
| elevation_m                    = 56
| population_footnotes            = <ref name="biharonline.gov.in">{{cite web|url=http://www.biharonline.gov.in/Site/Content/General/Dist.aspx?typ=C&id=36&ln=en&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1|title=Census of SITAMARHI<!-- Bot generated title -->|website=Biharonline.gov.in|access-date=21 September 2018}}</ref>
| population_total                = 1,06,093
| population_as_of                = 2011
| population_density_km2          = auto
| demographics_type1              = Languages
| demographics1_title1            = Official
| demographics1_info1            = [[Maithili language|Maithili]], [[Hindi language|Hindi]], [[Bajjika]]
| timezone1                      = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1                    = +5:30
| postal_code_type                = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code                    = 843302, 843301, 843331,843323
| iso_code                        = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-BR]]
| registration_plate              = BR-30
| blank1_name_sec1                = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank1_info_sec1                = [[Sitamarhi (Lok Sabha constituency)|Sitamarhi]]
| blank2_name_sec1                = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
| blank2_info_sec1                = [[Sitamarhi (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Sitamarhi]]
| website                        = {{URL|sitamarhi.nic.in/}}
| official_name                  = Sitamarhi (सीतामढ़ी)
}}
}}
'''Sitamarhi''' is an [[India|Indian]] city and the district headquarters of the [[Sitamarhi district]] in the [[Mithila (region)|Mithila region]] of [[Bihar]] and is a part of the [[Tirhut Division]]. The [[Bihar Government|Bihar government]] declared Sitamarhi a municipal corporation on 8 April 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tirhut-muzaffarpur.bih.nic.in|title=Tirhut Division|website=Tirhut-muzaffarpur.bih.nic.in|access-date=21 September 2018}}</ref>
| imagesize =
| image_alt =
| image_caption = '''Clockwise from top''': Goddess Sita, [[Janaki Sthan]] Mandir, [[Bagahi Dham| Bagahi Math]]
| pushpin_map = India Bihar
| pushpin_label_position = bottom
| pushpin_map_caption = Location in Bihar, India
| coordinates = {{coord|26|35|39|N|85|30|02|E|display=inline,title}}
| subdivision_type = Country
| subdivision_name = {{flag|India}}
| subdivision_type1 = [[States and territories of India|State]]
| subdivision_name1 = {{flagicon image|Bihar Government Banner.png}} [[Bihar]]
| subdivision_type3 = [[List of districts of India|District]]
| subdivision_name3 = [[Sitamarhi district|Sitamarhi]]
| established_title = <!-- Established -->
| established_date = 11 Dec 1972
| unit_pref = Metric
| area_total_km2 =
| elevation_footnotes =
| elevation_m = 56
| population_footnotes = <ref name="biharonline.gov.in">{{cite web|url=http://www.biharonline.gov.in/Site/Content/General/Dist.aspx?typ=C&id=36&ln=en&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1|title=Census of SITAMARHI<!-- Bot generated title -->|website=Biharonline.gov.in|access-date=21 September 2018|archive-date=23 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120723140309/http://www.biharonline.gov.in/Site/%28S%28ms0xe445wybwwcbuqnlzgg45%29%29/Content/General/Dist.aspx?typ=C&id=36&ln=en&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| population_total = 1,06,093
| population_as_of = 2011
| population_density_km2 = auto
| demographics_type1 = Languages
| demographics1_title1 = Official
| demographics1_info1 = [[Hindi language|Hindi]]
| demographics1_title2 = Additional&nbsp;official
| demographics1_info2 = [[Urdu language|Urdu]]<ref name="langoff">{{cite web |url=https://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |title=50th Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India (July 2012 to June 2013) |publisher=Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, [[Ministry of Minority Affairs]], [[Government of India]] |access-date=26 December 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160708012438/https://nclm.nic.in/shared/linkimages/NCLM50thReport.pdf |archive-date=8 July 2016}}</ref>
| demographics1_title3 = Regional languages
| demographics1_info3 = [[Bajjika]]<ref>[https://langlex.com/cens/DistrictLangProfile.php?districtname=Sitamarhi Language of Sitamarhi]</ref>
| timezone1 = [[Indian Standard Time|IST]]
| utc_offset1 = +5:30
| postal_code_type = [[Postal Index Number|PIN]]
| postal_code = 843302, 843301, 843331,843323, 843325 (Sitamarhi)<ref>[https://indiapincodes.net/Bihar/Sitamarhi/ Sitamarhi]</ref>
| iso_code = [[ISO 3166-2:IN|IN-BR]]
| registration_plate = BR-30
| blank1_name_sec1 = [[Lok Sabha]] constituency
| blank1_info_sec1 = [[Sitamarhi (Lok Sabha constituency)|Sitamarhi]]
| blank2_name_sec1 = [[Vidhan Sabha]] constituency
| blank2_info_sec1 = [[Sitamarhi (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Sitamarhi]]
| website = {{URL|sitamarhi.nic.in/}}
| official_name =
}}
'''Sitamarhi''' is the headquarters of the [[Sitamarhi district]] in [[Tirhut Division]], [[Bihar]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Tirhut Division |url=http://tirhut-muzaffarpur.bih.nic.in |access-date=21 September 2018 |website=Tirhut-muzaffarpur.bih.nic.in |archive-date=18 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918074710/http://tirhut-muzaffarpur.bih.nic.in/}}</ref> The city was named in honour of [[Sita|Sītā]], wife of [[Rama|Rāma]],  who was born in Sitamarhi according to [[Hinduism|Hindu]] legends.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bihar Tourism official |url=https://tourism.bihar.gov.in/en/destinations/sitamarhi/punaura-dham |access-date=20 March 2023 |website=Bihar Tourism}}</ref>
 
In 1875, a subdivision for Sitamarhi was created within the [[Muzaffarpur district]].<ref>[http://dc-sitamarhi.bih.nic.in/ Official Website of the District and Civil Court of Sitmahri] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525105109/http://dc-sitamarhi.bih.nic.in/|date=25 May 2010}}, Retrieved 26 May 2010</ref> Sitamarhi was detached from Muzaffarpur and made a separate district on December 11, 1972.<ref name="actionplan">[http://mohfw.nic.in/nrhm/DHAP/DHAP_Bihar/sitamarhi.pdf District Health Action Plan], National Rural Health Mission, Government of Bihar, Retrieved 25 May 2010</ref> The district headquarters is located in [[Dumra, Sitamarhi|Dumra]], {{convert|5|km|mi|0|spell=in}} south of Sitamarhi's main temple.<ref>{{Cite web |title=जानकी मंदिर, सीतामढ़ी {{!}} Welcome to Sitamarhi District {{!}} India |url=https://sitamarhi.nic.in/hi/gallery/%e0%a4%9c%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%a8%e0%a4%95%e0%a5%80-%e0%a4%ae%e0%a4%82%e0%a4%a6%e0%a4%bf%e0%a4%b0-%e0%a4%b8%e0%a5%80%e0%a4%a4%e0%a4%be%e0%a4%ae%e0%a4%a2%e0%a4%bc%e0%a5%80/ |access-date=2023-05-14 |language=hi-IN}}</ref>
 
==Geography==
Sitamarhi has an average elevation of {{convert|56|m|ft}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/34/Sitamarhi.html|title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Sitamarhi, India|website=Fallingrain.com|access-date=21 September 2018}}</ref>


A temple dedicated to [[Sita]], the main person of the epic [[Ramayana]], is located at Punaura Dham Sitamarhi.<ref name="temple">{{cite book |last1=Chakrabarti |first1=Dilip K |title=Archaeological Geography of the Ganga Plain: The Lower and the Middle Ganga |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OEZe-wAIiKIC&q=sitamarhi+history&pg=PA207 |access-date=20 March 2013 |year= 2001|publisher=Orient Blacksawn |location=New Delhi |isbn=9788178240169 |page= 207 }}</ref> A rock-cut sanctuary from the great [[Mauryan Empire|Mauryan]] period is found near Sitamarhi.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sen |first1=S N |title=Ancient Indian History And Civilization |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=Wk4_ICH_g1EC&q=sitamarhi+history&pg=PA166|access-date=20 March 2013 |year=1999 |publisher=New Age International |isbn=9788122411980 |page=166 }}</ref>
Pupri, [[Bairgania]], [[Sursand]] and [[Bhitthamore]] are all towns on the [[India–Nepal border|Indo-Nepal border]] not far from Sitamarhi.


In 1875, the Sitamarhi sub-district was created within the [[Muzaffarpur district]].<ref>[http://dc-sitamarhi.bih.nic.in/ Official Website of the District and Civil Court of Sitmahri] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100525105109/http://dc-sitamarhi.bih.nic.in/ |date=25 May 2010 }}, Retrieved May 26, 2010</ref> Sitamarhi was detached from the Muzaffarpur district and became a separate district on 11&nbsp;December 1972.<ref name="actionplan">[http://mohfw.nic.in/nrhm/DHAP/DHAP_Bihar/sitamarhi.pdf District Health Action Plan], National Rural Health Mission, Government of Bihar, Retrieved May 25, 2010</ref> It is situated in the northern part of Bihar. The district headquarters is located in [[Dumra, Sitamarhi|Dumra]], {{convert|5|km|mi|0|spell=in}} south of Sita temple.{{Clarify|reason=the lead says Sitamarhi is the HQ|date=May 2012}}
==Culture==
Sitamarhi dates back to the time of the ''[[Ramayana]]'' epic, which describes it as the place where [[Janaka|King Janaka]] found the goddess [[Sita]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Punaura Dham |url=https://www.drishtiias.com/state-pcs-current-affairs/punaura-dham |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=Drishti IAS |language=en}}</ref>


==Geography==
A temple dedicated to Sita is located at Punaura Dham Sitamarhi.<ref name="temple">{{cite book |last1=Chakrabarti |first1=Dilip K |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OEZe-wAIiKIC&q=sitamarhi+history&pg=PA207 |title=Archaeological Geography of the Ganga Plain: The Lower and the Middle Ganga |publisher=Orient Blacksawn |year=2001 |isbn=9788178240169 |location=New Delhi |page=207 |access-date=20 March 2013}}</ref> A rock-cut sanctuary from the [[Mauryan Empire|Mauryan]] period is also found near Sitamarhi.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Sen |first1=S N |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wk4_ICH_g1EC&q=sitamarhi+history&pg=PA166 |title=Ancient Indian History And Civilization |publisher=New Age International |year=1999 |isbn=9788122411980 |page=166 |access-date=20 March 2013}}</ref>
Sitamarhi, located at {{Coord|26.6|N|85.48|E}},<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fallingrain.com/world/IN/34/Sitamarhi.html|title=Maps, Weather, and Airports for Sitamarhi, India|website=Fallingrain.com|access-date=21 September 2018}}</ref> has an average elevation of {{convert|56|m|ft}}.


There are multiple small towns that are famous in Sitamarhi, like [[Bairgania]], [[Sursand]] and [[Bhitthamore]] which are located at [[India–Nepal border|Indo-Nepal border]]. Other famous places in Sitamarhi region are [[Bathnaha (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Bathnaha]], [[Sonbarsha, Sitamarhi (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Sonbarsa]], [[Bajpatti (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Bajpatti]], [[Pupri (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Pupri]], [[Parihar (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Parihar]] and [[Runnisaidpur (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Runnisaidpur]]. [[Dumra, Sitamarhi district|Dumra]] is near Sitamarhi which is known for all the government offices.
Several cultural events occur annually in Sitamarhi: Dumra hosts festivities for [[Rama Navami]] each spring; a ceremony commemorating the marriage of Ram and Sita happens every year in [[Janaki Sthan]];<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/place/Sitamarhi Sitamarhi], Encyclopedia Britannica (2014), Quote: "A large Ramanavami fair, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama, is held in spring with a considerable trade in pottery, spices, brassware, and cotton cloth. A cattle fair held in Sitamarhi is the largest in Bihar state. The town is sacred as the birthplace of the goddess Sita (also called Janaki), the wife of Lord Ram."</ref> and the winter festival of [[Sama Chakeva]] celebrates brother-sister relationships.<ref>{{cite web|title=Festivals of Bihar|url=http://gov.bih.nic.in/Profile/festivals.htm|publisher=[[Government of Bihar]]|access-date=8 October 2016|archive-date=11 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911103056/http://gov.bih.nic.in/Profile/festivals.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>[Mithila kaa Itihas (Hindi Book), Author: Dr. Ram Prakash Sharma, Publisher: Kameshwer Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University, Darbhanga, Page No.: 460]</ref> On the occasion of [[Sita Navami|Janaki Navami]], a spiritual internal circumambulation known as ''Antar Griha Parikrama'' of the city is organised by the religious trust of the Janaki Sthan. The Antar Griha Parikrama is a part of the larger [[Sitamarhi Dham Parikrama]].


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
Sitamarhi city has a total population of around 34,23,574. There are around 56,693 males and 49,400 females. The amount of literate males are 39,537, and the amount of literate females are 29,970. In total 69,507 people are literate. The average literacy rate is 52.04% in total, 60.64% for males, and 42.41% for females. The sex ratio is 899. The child sex ratio is 872.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census2011.co.in/census/metropolitan/168-sitamarhi.html|title=Sitamarhi District Population Data - Census 2011|website=www.census2011.co.in}}</ref>
As of the 2011 Census, Sitamarhi District has a total population of around 106,093. There are around 56,693 males and 49,400 females. 69,507 people are literate, including 39,537 males and 29,070 females. The average literacy rate is 52.04% in total, 60.64% for males, and 42.41% for females. The sex ratio is 899, and the child sex ratio is 872.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census2011.co.in/census/metropolitan/168-sitamarhi.html|title=Sitamarhi District Population Data – Census 2011|website=census2011.co.in}}</ref>


{{bar box
{{bar box
| title=Religion in Sitamarhi (2011)<ref>{{cite web|title=Census 2011 India|url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in|website=www.census2011.co.in|access-date=28 July 2021}}</ref>
| title=Religion in Sitamarhi (2011)<ref>{{cite web|title=Census 2011 India|url=https://www.censusindia.gov.in|website=census2011.co.in|access-date=28 July 2021}}</ref>
| titlebar=#Fcd666
| titlebar=#Fcd666
| left1=Religion
| left1=Religion
Line 68: Line 86:
| float=right
| float=right
| bars=
| bars=
{{bar percent|Hinduism|darkorange|78.06}}
{{bar percent|Hinduism|darkorange|80.06}}
{{bar percent|Islam|green|21.62}}
{{bar percent|Islam|green|17.23}}
{{bar percent|Christianity|dodgerblue|0.08}}
{{bar percent|Buddhism|dodgerblue|1.28}}
{{bar percent|Sikhism|darkkhaki|0.01}}
{{bar percent|Jainism|darkkhaki|0.45}}
{{bar percent|Buddhism|yellow|0.01}}
{{bar percent|Christianity|yellow|0.14}}
{{bar percent|Jainism|brown|0.01}}
{{bar percent|Sikhism|brown|0.01}}
{{bar percent|Others|black|0.22}}
{{bar percent|Others|black|0.22}}
}}
}}


==Notable people==
==Administration==
*[[Ramesh Thakur]]- Assistant Secretary- General [[United Nations]].
Sitamarhi is a part of the [[Tirhut Division]]. Currently, Sitamarhi consists of three sub-divisions and seventeen blocks. Its headquarters are located at Dumra, five kilometers south of Sitamarhi. The District Magistrate is the top-most official of revenue and civil administration and is assisted by ADM{{Definition needed|date=September 2021}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/the-fineprint/district-collector-magistrate-development-commissioner-what-to-call-an-ias-officer/1273328/|title=District Collector, Magistrate, Development Commissioner: what to call an IAS officer?|author=Nootan Sharma|date=2022-12-21|publisher=The Print|access-date=2023-05-31}}</ref> and other district officers.
*[[Thakur Jugal Kishore Sinha]] - Former MP & Freedom Fighter. Father of Co-operative Movement
*[[Ram Dulari Sinha]] - Former Union Minister & Governor & Freedom Fighter, First woman from Bihar to become Governor
*[[Devesh Chandra Thakur]]- Deputy leader, [[Bihar Legislative Council]].
*[[Nawal Kishore Rai]]- Ex Member of Parliament
*[[Sitaram Yadav]] - Ex Member of Parliament
*[[Ram Kumar Sharma]] - Indian politician and a former member of parliament from [[Sitamarhi (Lok Sabha constituency)]], [[Bihar]].
*[[Sunil Kumar Pintu]] - Member of parliament from [[Sitamarhi (Lok Sabha constituency)]], [[Bihar]].
*[[Vikas Jha|Vikash Jha]] - Indian journalist and author.
*[[Gaurav Sharma (author)|Gaurav Sharma]] - author.


==Administration==
The district has been divided into three subdivisions: Sadar, Pupri, and Belsand. Each is headed by sub-divisional officers either from the IAS (Indian Administrative Service) or BAS (Bihar Administrative Service). Sub-divisional officers are under the direct authority of the District Magistrate. Subdivisions are divided into 17 development blocks where BDOs (Block Development Officers) are charged with carrying out development and welfare projects.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who's Who {{!}} Welcome to Sitamarhi District {{!}} India |url=https://sitamarhi.nic.in/about-district/whos-who/ |access-date=2023-05-14 |language=en-US}}</ref> Sitamarhi district has 845 revenue villages. The district's judicial system is headed by the District and Sessions Judge, who is in turn assisted by other Judges and Munsiff magistrates posted at district and sub-division levels.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Who's Who {{!}} Welcome to Sitamarhi District {{!}} India |url=https://sitamarhi.nic.in/about-district/whos-who/ |access-date=2023-05-14 |language=en-US}}</ref>
Sitamarhi is a part of Tirhut Division. Presently Sitamarhi consists of three Sub-divisions and 17 Blocks. Its headquarter is located at Dumra, five kilometers south of Sitamarhi.District Magistrate is the top most official of Revenue and civil administration and assisted by ADM and other officers, posted in the district.  The district has been divided into three subdivisions namely Sadar, [[Pupri (Vidhan Sabha constituency)]] and Belsand which are headed by sub-divisional officers either from I.A.S. or B.A.S.cadre. S.D.Os. are under direct authority of D.M. Subdivisions are divided in 17 development blocks where B.D.Os. are posted who undertake development and welfare projects. Sitamarhi district has 845 revenue villages.The Superintendent of Police, Sitamarhi, is the head of the district police administration and is assited by Deputy Superintendent of Police. In each subdivision of the district, the Deputy Superintendent of Police are posted who keep control on police administration.The Judges and Munshif magistrates are posted at district and sub-division who administer and deliver justice of different kinds.


==Tourism==
==Pilgrimage sites==
* [[Sita Kund]]
* [[Sita Kund]]
* [[Urvija Kund]]
* [[Janaki Sthan]]
* [[Janaki Janmasthali Mandir|Janaki Janmsthali Mandir]]
* [[Punaura Dham]]
* [[Haleshwar Sthan]]
* [[Haleshwar Sthan]]
* [[ dekuli dham]]
* Manokamna Dham, Bariyarpur{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}
* [[Urjiva Kund]]
* Kumari Bua, Sundargama{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}
* [[Janki Asthan]]
* Hanuman Mandir, Sundargama{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}
* [[Dumra hawai field]]
* Kali Mandir, Sundargama{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}
* [[childrens' park shankar chowk]]
* Paakar Tree, [[Panth Pakar]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-09-17 |title=सीतामढ़ी में आस्था केंद्र है मां सीता की विश्राम स्थली पंथपाकड़ |url=https://www.livehindustan.com/astrology/story-sitamarhi-me-astha-ka-kendra-h-maa-sita-ki-vishram-sthali-panthpakar-2751075.html |access-date=2026-01-06 |website=www.livehindustan.com |language=hi}}</ref>
* [[NS DAV public school]]
* Gaya Babu Temple Complex, Dayanagar{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}
* Shiv Mandir, Dhangar{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}
* Baudhi Devi,  Dhangar{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}
* Shiv Temple,  Anhari{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}


=={{anchor|Connectivity}} Transportation==
==Transportation==
[[National Highway 77 (India)|National Highway 77]] connects the area to the [[Muzaffarpur district]] and [[Patna]]. National Highways 77 and other roads connect to the adjoining districts. [[National Highway 104 (India)]] connects it to Sursand, Bhitthamore border, Charaut and Jaynagar . State highways link it to [[Madhubani district]] in the east and [[Sheohar]] in the west.
[[National Highway 77 (India)|National Highway 77]] connects Sitamarhi to [[Mehsi]], [[Muzaffarpur]] and [[Patna]], and other roads connect the city to adjoining districts. [[National Highway 227 (India)|National Highway 227]] runs towards Sheohar in the west and the border town [[Bhitthamore]] in the east. State highways link Sitamarhi to [[Madhubani district]] in the east.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-09-12 |title=Rs 1,034 crore OK'd for national highways projects in Bihar |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/patna/rs1034cr-okd-for-nh-projects-in-state/articleshow/78066900.cms |access-date=2023-05-14 |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>


[[Sitamarhi Junction railway station]] is a five-platform station on the [[Darbhanga]]–[[Raxaul]]–[[Narkatiaganj]] line, which was converted to broad gauge in February 2014. Another broad-gauge track connects Sitamarhi to [[Muzaffarpur]]. Direct train services are available from Sitamarhi railway junction to places such as New Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Lucknow, Guwahati (Kamakhya), Hyderabad, Kanpur and Mumbai.
[[Sitamarhi Junction railway station]] is a five-platform station on the [[Darbhanga]]–[[Raxaul]]–[[Narkatiaganj]] line, which was converted to broad gauge in February 2014. Another broad-gauge track connects Sitamarhi to [[Muzaffarpur]]. Direct train services are available from Sitamarhi Junction to cities including [[New Delhi]], [[Kolkata]], [[Varanasi]], [[Lucknow]], [[Guwahati]], [[Hyderabad]], [[Kanpur]], and [[Mumbai]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trains Darbhanga - Sitamarhi: times, prices and tickets starting from ₹ 47.32 {{!}} Virail |url=https://www.virail.in/en/train-darbhanga-sitamarhi |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=www.virail.in}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Shandilya |first=Tushar |title=14006/Lichchavi Express - Anand Vihar Terminal to Sitamarhi NR/Northern Zone - Railway Enquiry |url=https://indiarailinfo.com/train/-train-lichchavi-express-14006/981/7322/4588 |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=indiarailinfo.com}}</ref>


The nearest airport to Sitamarhi is the [[Darbhanga Airport]], about {{convert|82|km|mi}} away.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Trains Darbhanga - Sitamarhi: times, prices and tickets starting from ₹ 47.32 {{!}} Virail |url=https://www.virail.in/en/train-darbhanga-sitamarhi |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=www.virail.in}}</ref>


Sitamarhi is connected to cities in and around Bihar by state-owned transport services. Many private buses (both AC and non-AC{{Definition needed|date=May 2024}}) operate between Sitamarhi and [[Patna]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=BSRTC |url=https://bsrtc.co.in/ |access-date=2023-05-14 |website=bsrtc.co.in}}</ref>


The nearest airport to sitamarhi is The  [[Darbhanga Airport]] which is about {{convert|82|km|mi}} away.
==Notable people==
 
*[[Harnandan Prasad]], [[Imperial Civil Service|ICS]], zamindar, commissioner and vice chairman of Sitamarhi
Sitamarhi is connected to cities in and around Bihar by state-owned transport services. Many private buses (both AC and non-AC) operate between Sitamarhi and [[Patna]].
*[[Ram Charitra Rai Yadav|Ramcharitra Rai Yadav]], freedom fighter, veteran socialist leader, and former member of both the Bihar Legislative Assembly and the [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Indian Legislative Assembly]]
 
*[[Ramesh Thakur]], former Assistant Secretary-General of the [[United Nations]]
==Culture==
* [[Jainandan Prasad Yadav]], Indian politician and former member of the Bihar Legislative Assembly
[[Rama Navami]] is a spring festival in [[Dumra]], widely celebrated with a large fair held to mark the occasion. Also in Janki Mandir popularly known as *[[Janki Asthan]] (Temple with history from 1599) next to * [[Urjiva Kund]] ( where sita was found in the heart of earth )a marriage ceremony of Lord Ram and Sita Mata happens every year.<ref>[https://www.britannica.com/place/Sitamarhi Sitamarhi], Encyclopedia Britannica (2014), Quote: "A large Ramanavami fair, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama, is held in spring with considerable trade in pottery, spices, brass ware, and cotton cloth. A cattle fair held in Sitamarhi is the largest in Bihar state. The town is sacred as the birthplace of the goddess Sita (also called Janaki), the wife of Lord Ram."</ref> [[Sama Chakeva]] is a prominent winter festival dedicated to celebrate brother-sister relationships.<ref>{{cite web|title=Festivals of Bihar|url=http://gov.bih.nic.in/Profile/festivals.htm|publisher=[[Government of Bihar]]|access-date=8 October 2016}}</ref> This is a major cultural event with marriage ceremonies and many cultural rituals that take much preparation.<ref>[Mithila kaa Itihas (Hindi Book), Author: Dr. Ram Prakash Sharma, Publisher: Kameshwer Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University, Darbhanga, Page No.: 460]</ref>
*[[Thakur Jugal Kishore Sinha]], former Member of [[Parliament of India|Parliament]], freedom fighter, and founder of the co-operative movement{{citation needed|date=May 2024}}
 
*[[Ram Dulari Sinha]], former Union Minister, freedom fighter, and the first female governor from Bihar
==Media==
*[[Devesh Chandra Thakur]], deputy leader of the [[Bihar Legislative Council]]
Sitamarhi has an [[All India Radio]] (AIR) relay station known as Akashvani Sitamarhi, broadcasting on FM frequencies.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}}
*[[Prabhat Jha (politician)|Prabhat Jha]], politician and journalist
 
*[[Nawal Kishore Rai]], former Member of Parliament
==Education==
*[[Sitaram Yadav (politician, born 1946)|Sitaram Yadav]], former Member of Parliament
{{more citations needed|section|date=March 2018}}
*[[Ram Kumar Sharma]], former Member of Parliament
The following is a partial list of schools in Sitamarhi:
*[[Sunil Kumar Pintu]], former Member of Parliament
*Front Age, Kiran Chowk
*[[Vikas Jha|Vikash Jha]], journalist and author
*Bharati uchchangle Vidhayalaya Dumra in front of Hawaii field
*Gyan Bharati Preparatory School, Purandaha Rajawara, Sonbarsa Sitamarhi
*N.S.D.A.V. Public school
*S.R.D.A.V. Public School, [[Pupri (Vidhan Sabha constituency)|Pupri]]
* [[Janki Vidya Niketan]]
* Kendriya Vidyalaya Jawahar Nagar, Sutihara
* Saraswati Vidya Mandir, Ring bandh
* S.V. Rising Point school, Old Exchange Road, Mirchaipatti Sitamarhi
* Vidya Bharati school, Shantinagar, Sitamarhi
* Hellen's School Sitamarhi
* Delhi Public School, Lagma
* Brilliant Public School, Sitamarhi
* R.O.S. Public School, Khairwa, Riga Road, Sitamarhi
* [[Sacred Heart School, Sitamarhi|Sacred Heart School]]
* MP High School (Sitamarhi High School, Dumra) Anand Nagar, Talkhapur, Dumra
* Mathura High School
* Sri Gandhi High School, Parihar
* Lakshmi High School
* Kamala Girls High School
*[[Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Sitamarhi|Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Sitamarhi (JNV Sitmarhi)]]
*Sun Shine Public School, Shantinagar
*State Middle School, Sundargama
*Vidyamandir Classes in Sitamarhi
*Sushila singha pmky coching center in Virta Tola Punaura
* Holy Faith Public High School, Old Exchange Road
* Genius Global Academy (Baath Asli)


==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{reflist}}


==External links==
==External links==
* [https://sitamarhi.nic.in/ Main site]
* [https://sitamarhi.nic.in/ Main site]
* [http://sitamarhi.bih.nic.in/District Portal of Sitamarhi]
* [http://sitamarhi.bih.nic.in/District Portal of Sitamarhi]{{Dead link|date=January 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* [http://tirhut-muzaffarpur.bih.nic.in Official website of Tirhut Division]
* [http://tirhut-muzaffarpur.bih.nic.in Official website of Tirhut Division]


Latest revision as of 19:43, 27 February 2026

For the temple, see Sita Samahit Sthal.
Sitamarhi
Mithila[1]
City
Clockwise from top: Goddess Sita, Janaki Sthan Mandir, Bagahi Math
Sitamarhi is located in Bihar
Sitamarhi
Sitamarhi
Location in Bihar, India
Coordinates: 26°35′39″N 85°30′02″E / 26.59417°N 85.50056°E / 26.59417; 85.50056
Country India
State Bihar
DistrictSitamarhi
Elevation
56 m (184 ft)
Population
 (2011)[2]
 • Total106,093
Languages
 • OfficialHindi
 • Additional officialUrdu[3]
 • Regional languagesBajjika[4]
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
PIN
843302, 843301, 843331,843323, 843325 (Sitamarhi)[5]
ISO 3166 codeIN-BR
Vehicle registrationBR-30
Lok Sabha constituencySitamarhi
Vidhan Sabha constituencySitamarhi
Websitesitamarhi.nic.in

Sitamarhi is the headquarters of the Sitamarhi district in Tirhut Division, Bihar.[6] The city was named in honour of Sītā, wife of Rāma, who was born in Sitamarhi according to Hindu legends.[7]

In 1875, a subdivision for Sitamarhi was created within the Muzaffarpur district.[8] Sitamarhi was detached from Muzaffarpur and made a separate district on December 11, 1972.[9] The district headquarters is located in Dumra, 5 kilometres (3 mi)* south of Sitamarhi's main temple.[10]

Geography[edit | edit source]

Sitamarhi has an average elevation of 56 metres (184 ft).[11]

Pupri, Bairgania, Sursand and Bhitthamore are all towns on the Indo-Nepal border not far from Sitamarhi.

Culture[edit | edit source]

Sitamarhi dates back to the time of the Ramayana epic, which describes it as the place where King Janaka found the goddess Sita.[12]

A temple dedicated to Sita is located at Punaura Dham Sitamarhi.[13] A rock-cut sanctuary from the Mauryan period is also found near Sitamarhi.[14]

Several cultural events occur annually in Sitamarhi: Dumra hosts festivities for Rama Navami each spring; a ceremony commemorating the marriage of Ram and Sita happens every year in Janaki Sthan;[15] and the winter festival of Sama Chakeva celebrates brother-sister relationships.[16][17] On the occasion of Janaki Navami, a spiritual internal circumambulation known as Antar Griha Parikrama of the city is organised by the religious trust of the Janaki Sthan. The Antar Griha Parikrama is a part of the larger Sitamarhi Dham Parikrama.

Demographics[edit | edit source]

As of the 2011 Census, Sitamarhi District has a total population of around 106,093. There are around 56,693 males and 49,400 females. 69,507 people are literate, including 39,537 males and 29,070 females. The average literacy rate is 52.04% in total, 60.64% for males, and 42.41% for females. The sex ratio is 899, and the child sex ratio is 872.[18]

Religion in Sitamarhi (2011)[19]
Religion Percent
Hinduism
 
 80.06%
Islam
 
 17.23%
Buddhism
 
 1.28%
Jainism
 
 0.45%
Christianity
 
 0.14%
Sikhism
 
 0.01%
Others
 
 0.22%

Administration[edit | edit source]

Sitamarhi is a part of the Tirhut Division. Currently, Sitamarhi consists of three sub-divisions and seventeen blocks. Its headquarters are located at Dumra, five kilometers south of Sitamarhi. The District Magistrate is the top-most official of revenue and civil administration and is assisted by ADM[definition needed][20] and other district officers.

The district has been divided into three subdivisions: Sadar, Pupri, and Belsand. Each is headed by sub-divisional officers either from the IAS (Indian Administrative Service) or BAS (Bihar Administrative Service). Sub-divisional officers are under the direct authority of the District Magistrate. Subdivisions are divided into 17 development blocks where BDOs (Block Development Officers) are charged with carrying out development and welfare projects.[21] Sitamarhi district has 845 revenue villages. The district's judicial system is headed by the District and Sessions Judge, who is in turn assisted by other Judges and Munsiff magistrates posted at district and sub-division levels.[22]

Pilgrimage sites[edit | edit source]

Transportation[edit | edit source]

National Highway 77 connects Sitamarhi to Mehsi, Muzaffarpur and Patna, and other roads connect the city to adjoining districts. National Highway 227 runs towards Sheohar in the west and the border town Bhitthamore in the east. State highways link Sitamarhi to Madhubani district in the east.[24]

Sitamarhi Junction railway station is a five-platform station on the Darbhanga–Raxaul–Narkatiaganj line, which was converted to broad gauge in February 2014. Another broad-gauge track connects Sitamarhi to Muzaffarpur. Direct train services are available from Sitamarhi Junction to cities including New Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, Lucknow, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kanpur, and Mumbai.[25][26]

The nearest airport to Sitamarhi is the Darbhanga Airport, about 82 kilometres (51 mi) away.[27]

Sitamarhi is connected to cities in and around Bihar by state-owned transport services. Many private buses (both AC and non-AC[definition needed]) operate between Sitamarhi and Patna.[28]

Notable people[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Thakur, Ripunjay Kumar (1 March 2022). "Historical Geography of Early Medieval Mithila: From Videha to Tirhut". New Archaeological & Genological Society, Kanpur, India. ISSN 2348-8301. Retrieved 21 August 2025.
  2. ↑ "Census of SITAMARHI". Biharonline.gov.in. Archived from the original on 23 July 2012. Retrieved 21 September 2018.
  3. ↑ "50th Report of the Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities in India (July 2012 to June 2013)" (PDF). Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities, Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India. Archived from the original (PDF) on 8 July 2016. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  4. ↑ Language of Sitamarhi
  5. ↑ Sitamarhi
  6. ↑ "Tirhut Division". Tirhut-muzaffarpur.bih.nic.in. Archived from the original on 18 September 2018. Retrieved 21 September 2018.
  7. ↑ "Bihar Tourism official". Bihar Tourism. Retrieved 20 March 2023.
  8. ↑ Official Website of the District and Civil Court of Sitmahri Archived 25 May 2010 at the Wayback Machine, Retrieved 26 May 2010
  9. ↑ District Health Action Plan, National Rural Health Mission, Government of Bihar, Retrieved 25 May 2010
  10. ↑ "जानकी मंदिर, सीतामढ़ी | Welcome to Sitamarhi District | India" (in हिन्दी). Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  11. ↑ "Maps, Weather, and Airports for Sitamarhi, India". Fallingrain.com. Retrieved 21 September 2018.
  12. ↑ "Punaura Dham". Drishti IAS. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  13. ↑ Chakrabarti, Dilip K (2001). Archaeological Geography of the Ganga Plain: The Lower and the Middle Ganga. New Delhi: Orient Blacksawn. p. 207. ISBN 9788178240169. Retrieved 20 March 2013.
  14. ↑ Sen, S N (1999). Ancient Indian History And Civilization. New Age International. p. 166. ISBN 9788122411980. Retrieved 20 March 2013.
  15. ↑ Sitamarhi, Encyclopedia Britannica (2014), Quote: "A large Ramanavami fair, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama, is held in spring with a considerable trade in pottery, spices, brassware, and cotton cloth. A cattle fair held in Sitamarhi is the largest in Bihar state. The town is sacred as the birthplace of the goddess Sita (also called Janaki), the wife of Lord Ram."
  16. ↑ "Festivals of Bihar". Government of Bihar. Archived from the original on 11 September 2016. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  17. ↑ [Mithila kaa Itihas (Hindi Book), Author: Dr. Ram Prakash Sharma, Publisher: Kameshwer Singh Darbhanga Sanskrit University, Darbhanga, Page No.: 460]
  18. ↑ "Sitamarhi District Population Data – Census 2011". census2011.co.in.
  19. ↑ "Census 2011 India". census2011.co.in. Retrieved 28 July 2021.
  20. ↑ Nootan Sharma (21 December 2022). "District Collector, Magistrate, Development Commissioner: what to call an IAS officer?". The Print. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  21. ↑ "Who's Who | Welcome to Sitamarhi District | India". Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  22. ↑ "Who's Who | Welcome to Sitamarhi District | India". Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  23. ↑ "सीतामढ़ी में आस्था केंद्र है मां सीता की विश्राम स्थली पंथपाकड़". www.livehindustan.com (in हिन्दी). 17 September 2019. Retrieved 6 January 2026.
  24. ↑ "Rs 1,034 crore OK'd for national highways projects in Bihar". The Times of India. 12 September 2020. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  25. ↑ "Trains Darbhanga - Sitamarhi: times, prices and tickets starting from ₹ 47.32 | Virail". www.virail.in. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  26. ↑ Shandilya, Tushar. "14006/Lichchavi Express - Anand Vihar Terminal to Sitamarhi NR/Northern Zone - Railway Enquiry". indiarailinfo.com. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  27. ↑ "Trains Darbhanga - Sitamarhi: times, prices and tickets starting from ₹ 47.32 | Virail". www.virail.in. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
  28. ↑ "BSRTC". bsrtc.co.in. Retrieved 14 May 2023.

External links[edit | edit source]

Template:Tirhut Division

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