Mithila circuit pilgrimage begins

The 15-day Madhyama Parikrama, an age-old circumambulatory pilgrimage march, the biggest of religious pilgrimages in the Mithila region, has commenced. As part of the march, the pilgrims go round Janakpurdham stopping at different religious sites in the area in between before completing the 133 kilometres long journey. The circumambulatory pilgrimage is led by a team comprising priests and clergymen carrying a palanquin containing the idols of the Hindu god Ram and his consort Sita. It is believed that Sita was born out of the earth in ancient Janakpurdham. The circuit march began following religious traditions from the Janaki temple to reach the village of Kalaneswar in neighbouring India. It will then pass through Girjasthan of Fulahar, India and arrive Mahottari Matihari on Tuesday. The march also covers Jaleswor, Dhruva kunda, Kanchanwan, Parbata, Dhanushadha, Aaurahi, Bishaul and then return to Janakpur via Kalaneswar. The journey covers 15 resting places including 13 in Nepal and two in India, in this event marking the religious, cultural and traditional goodwill between the two countries. It is believed to have begun in the 18th century with the participants of the march covering by foot a total distance of 133 kilometers including 107 kilometers in Nepal and 26 in India. A large number of devotees including hermits and saints from Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Darbhangaha, Sitamadi and Baijanathdham are taking part in the march in the belief that they would be absolved of worldly suffering. source: gorkhapatraonline.com