Introduction to the Mithila Parikrama
Accompanied by chants of Maryada Purushottam Lord Ram and Goddess Janaki, thousands of devotees—saints, monks, yogis, and pilgrims—embark on a deeply spiritual fifteen-day journey. That culminates in Janakpurdham on a Thursday. This sacred yatra, steeped in centuries of tradition, serves as a powerful symbol of the deep religious and cultural bond between Nepal and India. Known as the Mithila Madhyamik Parikrama. The journey is more than just a walk—it’s a living expression of shared devotion, history, and heritage.
The parikrama begins on Falgun 15 from the Mithila Bihari Temple in Kachuri, Dhanusha (Mithila Municipality–8). Formally starts with the ceremonial inclusion of the palanquin (dola) of Goddess Janaki in Janakpur. Spanning the lunar fortnight from Amavasya (new moon) to Purnima (full moon). the journey covers a total of 120 kilometers—with 90 km in Nepal (Dhanusha & Mahottari) and 30 km in India (Bihar’s Madhubani district). Over these fifteen days, pilgrims rest each night at designated locations, concluding their journey on Falgun 29 in Janakpur with the Antargriha Parikrama.
A Look Back: The History of Mithila Parikrama
There are traditionally three types of parikrama: Brihat (grand), Madhyam (medium), and Antargriha (inner). In modern times, the Madhyamik Parikrama has seen increased participation due to accessibility and length. Devotees walk in traditional attire, accompanied by devotional music, spiritual processions, and sacred performances. The route covers key religious sites around Janakpurdham. the ancient capital of Mithila—including the four corner Shiva temples: Kalyaneshwar, Jaleshwar, Khireeshwar, and Sapteshwarnath.
Holy men and devotees join the pilgrimage from various parts of Nepal (Dhanusha, Mahottari, Sarlahi, Saptari) and India (Madhubani, Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Darbhanga), highlighting its pan-Himalayan reach.
Spiritual Significance and Blessings
According to religious belief, walking the parikrama alongside the sacred palanquins of Lord Ram (Mithila Bihari) and Goddess Sita (Kishori Ji). They brings blessings of healing, liberation from suffering, and fulfillment of heartfelt wishes. This is why millions from both Nepal and India take part, bringing with them essentials and simple food, preparing themselves for a spiritually focused, minimal lifestyle during the journey.
The pilgrimage is considered especially meaningful for the elderly, who often walk the entire route dressed in traditional attire and immersed in bhajan-kirtan (devotional singing). For fifteen days, participants give up garlic, onions, and meat. They eat only once a day, sleep under makeshift tents in the open sky, and detach from worldly comforts—embracing a lifestyle that resembles ancient vanavas.
Along the route, villagers offer food and shelter to the pilgrims. People believed that offering food to a parikrama pilgrim earns the same merit as completing the parikrama itself. In addition to food, free medical camps are also set up. Spiritually, participating in this sacred journey is said to cleanse the soul of sins and grant wishes. People Claim that one gains the spiritual merit equivalent to visiting 108 sacred pilgrimage sites.
A Grand Gathering—The Kumbh of Mithila
This 15-day Madhyamik Parikrama is often referred to as the Kumbh of Mithila due to its scale and significance. The Brihat Parikrama spans an enormous route encircling the Himalayas in the north, Koshi River in the east, the Ganges in the south, and the Gandak River in the west—a highly challenging journey.
On the 14th day of the current parikrama, devotees rested in Vishaul, Bihar. On the 15th day, they returned to Janakpur, concluding the journey with the Antargriha Parikrama, also known as the Panchkoshi Parikrama. This inner circuit within Janakpur is designed for those who are unable to walk the entire medium route, allowing them to still take part in the spiritual merit of the event. This final day draws tens of thousands of additional devotees.
A Journey Rooted in Centuries of Tradition
The origins of the Madhyamik Parikrama date back to before the 18th century, though exact records are scarce. It is widely believed that a saint named Siyalal Prabhans, along with 10–12 fellow ascetics, initiated the tradition approximately 175 years ago. Over time, it grew in prominence, and now the parikrama includes both the palanquins of Ram (Mithila Bihari) and Sita (Kishori Ji).
The Madhyamik Parikrama, also called the Panchkoshi Parikrama, forms a circular path of 80 kos (approximately 270 km), traversing across Nepal and Ind
ia. Thousands of pilgrims join this sacred journey every year, seeking moksha (spiritual liberation). According to scriptures like the Mithila Mahatmya, even if one cannot walk the full medium route, undertaking the shorter Antargriha Parikrama within Janakpur city also brings blessings.
Origins in Ancient Texts
The Vishnupurana, in Chapter 12 of Mithila Mahatmya, provides a detailed account of this parikrama. The journey includes 15 designated rest stops, each spaced roughly 5 kos (15 km) apart. King Janak, known as a devout follower of Lord Shiva, is said to have established the Kalyaneshwar Mahadev Temple in the eastern and southern parts of Janakpur, which later became the starting point of the parikrama. Much credit for expanding the scale of this pilgrimage goes to Surkishor Das, a Mahant (head priest) of the Janaki Temple.
Rest Stops of the Mithila Parikrama
The Mithila Madhyamiki Parikrama, also known as the Panchkoshi Parikrama, is a circular pilgrimage covering 80 kos (around 120 kilometers), passing through a series of spiritually significant resting spots. Here’s a walk through each of them:
Hanumangarhi
On the day of Fagu Amavasya, the ceremonial palanquins (dolas) of Ram-Janaki (Mithila Bihari) set out from Kachuri Math in Dhanusha and arrive at Hanumangarhi in a grand procession with music and devoti
on. This is the first night halt. The site is known for a centuries-old massive idol of Lord Hanuman.
Kalyaneshwar (Kalna)
The second rest stop lies across the border in India, at Kalyaneshwar or Kalna. It’s home to the revered Kalyaneshwarnath Mahadev Temple—one of the four legendary Shiva shrines established by King Janak at the four corners of his capital.
Girijasthan (Phulhar)
About four kos southwest of Kalna lies Girijasthan, the third day’s destination. Legend says it’s where Sita was once picking flowers and first met Lord Ram. The place features Sitasagar, Dukhaharan Kund, and the famed flower garden.
Matihani
On the fourth day (Fagun Shukla Tritiya), pilgrims reach the sacred village of Matihani in Mahottari district. The site from where clay was collected for Sita’s traditional pre-wedding ritual. It also houses the Laxmisagar pond and Laxmi-Narayan Temple.
Jaleshwar
After Matihani, the journey continues to Jaleshwar, located two kos west. Devotees offer prayers at the Jaleshwar Nath Mahadev temple, whose deity is enshrined amidst water.
Madai
On Fagun Shukla Panchami, the procession moves to Madai. Tradition holds that this was once the hermitage of Sage Mandavya, and it’s believed the wedding altar for Ram and Sita was built here.
Dhruvakund
On the seventh day, the journey leads to Dhruvakund, considered the meditation site of Dhruva. The site has both a temple and a sacred pond named after him.
Kanchanvan
The last stop within Mahottari district comes on day seven at Kanchanvan, the confluence of the Ichhawati and Viraja Ganga rivers—a place of deep spiritual significance. In ancient times, this area boasted 12 lush forests, including orchards of pomegranates, tamal, bananas, and more. According to tradition, this is where Lord Ram celebrated Holi with Jogira. Pilgrims continue the joyful tradition here using colored powders.
Parwata
On day nine, pilgrims halt at Parwata in Dhanusha. This site is known for the temple of Ksheereshwarnath Mahadev. Which established by King Janak himself.
Dhanushadham
Day ten on Dhanushadham, The place where a fragment of Lord Shiva’s bow fell after being broken by Lord Ram. The area is dotted with temples dedicated to Sita-Ram, Hanuman, and other deities.
Satoshar
On Fagun Shukla Dashami, the pilgrimage reaches Satoshar, home to seven sacred ponds and temples dedicated to Shiva and Sita-Ram.
Aurahi
Aurahi lies along the banks of the Vimala River and serves as the twelfth day’s rest stop. Pilgrims take a break here before crossing back into Indian territory.
Karuna
On day thirteen, the parikrama enters the Karuna region of India. The stop is named after the holy Karuna River flowing nearby.
Vishaul
Day fourteen brings the pilgrims to Vishaul, where the Kamla River flows. a temple dedicated to the sage Vishwamitra stands.
Janakpur
The final stop is the spiritual heart—Janakpur. Pilgrims rest here overnight and then perform the concluding Antargriha Parikrama at dawn, circling the Janaki and Ram temples. The pilgrimage ends with celebrations of Holi, marking both a spiritual and festive climax.
- Shital Prasad Mahato, Author
