Saptari lies in the Mithila region of the eastern Terai and was formerly part of Sagarmatha Zone under Nepal's old zonal system. The old district headquarters at Hanumannagar was heavily damaged by Saptakoshi river floods, prompting the creation of the planned new headquarters town of Rajbiraj, designed in 1938-39 by chief engineer Dilli Jung Thapa on the model of Jaipur, India; it became the functioning headquarters in 1941 and is regarded as Nepal's first planned city. The Chinnamasta Bhagawati temple at Sakhda is documented as established in the 13th century by Shaktisimhadeva of the Karnata dynasty. The Kankalini temple at Bhardaha is believed to have been established about 350 years ago after farmers unearthed a stone idol of Goddess Durga while digging. The Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, which extends into Saptari, was established in 1976 and designated a Ramsar wetland of international importance in December 1987.
Researched by the ChillNepal team from published sources. Spot something out of date? Tell us from the place's page.
