Girija temple of Phulher in Bihar has a legend attached to it. It is situated at Phulher village about 40 miles north-west of Darbhanga railway station of the North-Eastern Railway. The legend revolves round Lord Rama and Sita. Sita`s father King Janaka used to visit phulher and The pool nearby was the place where Sita would have her bath, sit by and make the garlands of flower for offering to the deity. One day Sita was making garlands with her companion and Sri Ramachandra had also gone there with Lakshmana and was plucking flowers. Sita`s eyes fell on Rama and he was also captivated by her. Balakanda of Ramayana depicts this meeting in an attractive manner.

This temple faces the east. There is a verandah at the entrance which is 10 feet by 12 feet. The cell where the deity is kept measures 8 feet by 10 feet. The height of the temple is near about 75 feet. The image of the main deity of the temple, the goddess Girija, is around 2 feet high and made of black stone. To the right side of this deity is a two-foot image of Janaki, made of marble. To the left side of the deity of Girija are the images of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Kali, Goddess Durga, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. All these images are made of black stone. All other images excepting the main deity were installed later.

To the right side of this temple, there is a temple of Bhairav as well as a big tank. Vaishnava priests look after the temple. The Phalgun month is observed specially by the visitors. Devotees undertake Panch Kosi Yatra and walk ten miles visiting other temples that are located nearby.

This temple, with its tradition of Sita meeting Rama for the first time and the subsequent marriage of all the four sons of King Dasharath of Ayodhya to the four daughters of King Janaka reveals the enduring impact of the Rama-Sita cult which had permeated India through Mithila.

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