Some places are known for their cultural and spiritual values. They draw respect and admiration from a wide segment of population. Many people visit them to take inspirations and obtain spiritual bliss. Janakpur, also known as the capital of kingdom of Videhas, is a similar place of historic importance. Located in central Terai, Janakpur is now the temporary capital of Province 2 but its history goes back to thousands of years when it was centre of learning and enlightenment. During the reign of king Janak, the city was known for its assemblies of scholars and sages from far-off places. They enthusiastically participated in critical discourses on diverse themes of life such as knowledge, liberation, and existence and goal of life. Janak wanted to liberate knowledge from intoxicating power so that justice and peace prevail in his kingdom. Janak was the father of Sita, pious Hindu female deity and father-in-law of God Ram. Ram and Sita were the embodiment of great ideals that every Hindu wants to emulate in their life. Famous Janaki Temple immortalises the religious legacy of Sita and Ram.

Once the confluence of Vedic, Buddhist and Jain philosophies, the modern city of Janakpur was founded in the early 18th century. It is an important pilgrimage site of the religious tourists from inside and outside the country. The cradle of Mithila civilisation has archaeological sites, temples, monasteries and ponds. It is also known as a place with Bawan Kuti Bahattar Kunda or 52 temples and 72 ponds. According to the news report of this daily, most of these public ponds within the Janakpur sub-metropolitan city area are mythical. Some of them have been even mentioned in the Puranas and other religious texts but they no longer exist now due to encroachment. A study conducted by the Greater Janakpur Development Area Council in 2005, ancient ponds such as Janak Sarovar, Amritkunda, Gopalsar, Yaswini Sar and Baldev Sar, among others, had disappeared

Important ponds including Biharkunda, Agnikunda, Ratnasagar, Suryakunda, Papmochani Sar, Parashuramkunda, Rukminisar, Muralisar, Ramsar, Telaha-Marha, Dasharath Lake, Argajja Pond, Gangasagar, Dhanush Sagar, however, are still in existence. These ponds bear religious significance for the devotees who take holy dips there. Hindus consider the water and soil of these places sacred. Nonetheless, they carry environmental and ecological significance, too. They serve as the important source of water, food and shelter for the animals. In summer, they neutralise the scorching temperature and make the atmosphere cool for the locals residing near them. They add beauty to the city during the festivals.

Bearing in mind the religious, ecological and social importance of the ponds, the authorities have taken measures for their renovation and beautification. They plan to construct boundary walls around the ponds to check encroachment and operate boats there. It is necessary to give a facelift to their surroundings to attract religious tourists in the pristine city. In 2015, more than a dozen ponds were cleared of encroachment. However, without proper physical infrastructure, it is difficult to effectively check the infringement. The concerned officials complain that there is no sufficient budget to carry out the renovation and conservation works. Since the ponds form the unique identity of Janakpur, the local, provincial and federal governments must join hands to protect and promote them. By doing so, the national heritage of unique characteristics will be protected.