Janakpur is one of Nepal's most important Hindu religious cities, believed to be the ancient kingdom of Mithila and the birthplace of Sita, consort of the god Ram. The ornate Janaki Mandir, a white marble temple dedicated to Sita, is the city's centrepiece and draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year. Janakpur is also known for its distinctive Mithila folk art — colourful geometric paintings traditionally made by women on the walls of homes and now sold as paintings worldwide.