:Draft:Raniwas Temple, Simraungadh, Bara

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{{Infobox Hindu temple|name=Raniwas Temple|image=File:Raniwas Temple.jpg|alt=Raniwas Temple|caption=Raniwas Temple in Bara District, Nepal|country=Nepal|state=Madhesh Province|district=Bara District|location=Simraungadh, near Indian border|deity=Lord Ram, Sita, Laxman|festivals=Ram Navami|architecture=Karnat/Oiniwar Style|elevation_m=|completed=|creator=Jagat Jung Rana}}

Overview

Raniwas Temple, also known as Ram Janaki Mandir or Mahal Sarai, is a historically and religiously significant temple located in the Bara District of Nepal. It is situated approximately 1 kilometer north of Simraungadh Market and 2 kilometers from the Indian border. The temple falls within the premises of the ancient Raniwas Palace, covering around 600 bighas of land.{{Cite web |last=surendra |date=2021-06-29 |title=Raniwas Temple Bara |url=https://www.landnepal.com/details/1932.html/ |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=Land Nepal |language=en-US}}

The name Raniwas literally translates to “Queen’s Residence,” where "Rani" means queen and "Was" means residence. The temple is popularly associated with Lord Ram and is a notable site for devotees and tourists alike.

History

The architectural style of the temple and palace reflects the influence of the ancient Karnat Dynasty. After the fall of this dynasty, the Oiniwar Dynasty ruled the Mithila region from 1353 to 1527 AD.

Raniwas Palace was built by Maharaja Shiva Singh in honor of his daughter, Ishwori Singh, during the Oiniwar period. The Karnat-style architecture was used for its construction.{{Cite web |date=2019-12-06 |title=The buried kingdom of Simraungadh - OnlineKhabar English News |url=https://english.onlinekhabar.com/the-buried-kingdom-of-simraungadh.html |access-date=2025-04-18 |language=en-GB}}

In 1877 AD, during the rule of the Ranas, then Prime Minister Junga Bahadur Rana died near Patharghat, Rautahat, while returning from a hunting trip. His wife, Hiranyagarbha Devi, before committing Sati, expressed her final wish to build a temple in his honor. To fulfill her wish, her son, Jagat Jung Rana, constructed the Raniwas Temple in 1878 AD.

Temple Interior

The main temple houses idols of Lord Ram, Sita, and Laxman, all placed in a straight line and worshipped with deep reverence. Beneath the idols, statues of Junga Bahadur Rana, his wife Hiranyagarbha Devi, and son Jagat Jung Rana are seen bowing with folded hands.{{Cite web |title=My Journey to Simraungadh- A Hidden Historical Treasure |url=https://nepaltraveller.com/sidetrack/my-journey-to-simraungadh-a-hidden-historical-treasure |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=nepaltraveller.com |language=en}}

Two large metallic bells (Ghanta) installed by Jagat Jung Rana in 1876 AD are also found within the premises. A large statue of Hanuman is located outside the main temple and is worshipped by devotees.

Temple Premises

The temple is surrounded by lush green vegetation, including Kabhro trees and mango orchards. A narrow alley leads to an open courtyard in front of the temple. A two-storied brick building with a tin roof surrounds the temple grounds, providing lodging for priests and pilgrims. The architecture of this structure resembles that of the Kankali Temple.{{Cite web |title=Raniwas Temple and Palace – Simraungadh, Bara |work=Jankari Nepal |date=6 January 2023 |url=https://jankarinepal.com/raniwas-temple-and-palace-bara/}}

However, parts of the building are deteriorating, with collapsing walls and scattered historical stones contributing to a state of disrepair.

Festivals and Devotees

The temple draws large numbers of devotees year-round, especially during the festival of Ram Navami. Pilgrims from both Nepal and India visit to worship Lord Ram and participate in the local fair organized by residents. It is believed that those who visit the temple on Ram Navami will have their wishes fulfilled.

Historical Ponds and Wells

Historically, the Raniwas premises had numerous lotus ponds and around 208 wells, particularly on the western side. Today, only a few ponds remain, as most have dried up or been filled over time.

Getting There

Raniwas Temple is easily accessible from Kathmandu, located about 162 km away from Simraungadh.

Options include:

By Air: Daily flights from Tribhuvan International Airport to Simara Airport. From Simara, Simraungadh is approximately 45 km by road (1–2 hours by vehicle).
By Road: Direct travel from Kathmandu to Simraungadh is possible, though it takes longer.

The Bara District is well-developed with reliable facilities for accommodation, transportation, health, and communication.

Significance

Raniwas Temple is a vital piece of Nepal's cultural and historical heritage. It symbolizes the architectural brilliance of the past dynasties and reflects the spiritual devotion of the region. Efforts are needed to preserve and promote this monument for future generations.