The Farukhnagar fort, mostly in ruins now, although a few parts have been restored, reflects the magnificence of the Mughal era when it was flourishing. Salt mines in the region made it prosperous and Farrukhnagar flourished because of this until the late 19th century. It was later abandoned during the British Raj in the early 20th century. The Sitaram Mandir in the fort is an ancient temple dedicated to Rama and Sita.
Legend has it that when Rama and Lakshman reached Janakpuri with Sage Vishwamitra, King Janak welcomed them warmly. The next day Rama and Sita chanced upon each other in the palace gardens. Soon, Sita’s swayamvar was being held in which King Janak announced that the man who would successfully string Lord Shiva’s bow, Pinaka, would win Sita’s hand in marriage.
Kings and princes from numerous kingdoms tried unsuccessfully. The bow wouldn’t budge and no man could even lift the bow, leave alone string it.
Then Vishwamitra asked Rama to try his hand at stringing the Pinaka. Rama sought his teacher’s blessings and went forth. He easily lifted the bow and tied the string. As he tested it, the bow broke. The resounding crash that the breaking of the bow caused brought Parashuram to the palace. Furious that Shiva’s bow had been broken, he was eventually pacified when he realised that Rama was an avatar of Vishnu. Sita then garlanded Rama and they got married.