Janakpur—the city of ponds—is also known by the name Janakapurdham. It is the district headquarters of Dhanusa, a busy historic centre of Nepal. Janakpur homes the ancient 500-years old Janaki Temple which attracts hundreds of Hindu pilgrims from India and abroad. According to Hindu epic Ramayana, the city of Janakpur originally was named after King Janak of the Mithila kingdom. It is said to be a place where Sita (named Janaki) grew up and married Lord Ram. It is also said that Mithila Kingdom controlled the major part of northern India between 103 BC, after which it came under the control of the Mauryan Empire (321 to 185 BC). Thousands of pilgrims visit Janakpur to pay homage at the time of Vivah Panchami, the day Sita and Ram got married. Maithali language is largely spoken in Janakpur. Those who wish to experience the Indian culture prevailing in Nepal should visit Janakpur.