Thousands Gather at Geruka River for Purushottam Maas Rituals

Janakpurdham. 'If Delhi takes, it will take the Jhilli, what will you do?
If it takes the boy in saffron, you will play with him.'

As the sweet morning light dawns, devotees hum this folk song and head towards the Geruka River. Some carry flowers and offerings, while others are heading to the riverbank with their family members. A large gathering of faith and public belief has been seen on the banks of the Geruka River in Khutta Pipradi, Ward No. 4 of Loharpatti Municipality in Mahottari, with the onset of Purushottam Maas.

The Mithila civilization is not complete with just Janakpurdham, Janaki Temple, or the stories of Sitaram. The rivers, ponds, religious traditions, and fairs here also carry centuries-old history. Among these historical and religious traditions, the Geruka fair is considered very important.

With the first rays of the morning, the banks of Geruka begin to bustle with devotees. Female devotees carrying puja materials walk towards the river for a bath, singing songs. On the occasion of Purushottam Maas, hundreds of devotees come here daily, thousands on Sundays and Tuesdays, and lakhs throughout the month. This has made Geruka bathing a center of religious faith and tradition.

The public belief associated with the Geruka River is also very strong. It is believed that those who do not have children will have their vows fulfilled if they make a wish here.

According to cultural expert Parmeshwar Kapadi, there are 15 rivers in Mithila, which are considered as Sita's companions. Kapadi says, 'These rivers are Koshi, Kamala, Yamuna, Vyutmati, Jaladh, Geruka, Dudhmati, Byaghbati, Girija, Mandana, Ichchhavati, Lakshmana, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Narayani.'

During her wedding, Mother Sita performed Gauri Puja and immersed the puja materials in the Geruka River. The tradition of performing Gauri Puja and immersing it in the river is still alive today. According to Kapadi, at one time, Mother Sita, while blessing her companion Geruka, had said, 'In the month of Adhik Maas, i.e., Purushottam Maas, your glory will be sung, the sins of those who bathe in this river will be washed away, and their wishes will be fulfilled.'

The confluence of the Geruka River and the Bighi River, located in the border area of Mahottari and Dhanusha, is well-known. During Purushottam Maas, a large crowd gathers here, similar to Rajgir and Prayagraj in India. Lakhs of devotees from various places in Nepal and India come here for bathing throughout the month.

This fair held on the banks of the Geruka River is not just a religious gathering but also a symbol of Mithila's cultural unity and public faith. According to Mahant Roshan Das, the successor of Janaki Temple, the fair begins with a royal bath after bringing the symbol of Sitaram to the banks of the Geruka River and bathing it.

Das says, 'This holy river is no less than the Ganges; it is believed that bathing here washes away sins and fulfills wishes.' The tradition of bathing here has been going on since the Tretayuga. During Purushottam Maas, bathing on Sundays and Tuesdays is considered especially important. It is believed that the name 'Geruka' originated because the water of the Geruka River appeared slightly saffron-colored in ancient times. In Mithila culture, rivers are not just considered sources of water but are revered as divine forms. Therefore, the Geruka River is still respected as a holy pilgrimage site today.

Shradhdhalu Manturiya Devi from Sarlahi's Salampur says, 'I did not have a grandson, I made a vow here. By his grace, I had a grandson. Now I have come to bathe with my daughter-in-law and grandson. After my vow is fulfilled, I will offer the ear of a goat kid.' The priests of this temple are from the Mallah community.

The religious significance of the Geruka fair, organized during Purushottam Maas, is considered even deeper. According to Hindu scriptures, Purushottam Maas is a month very dear to Lord Vishnu. Experts say that this month is called Purushottam Maas because Lord Vishnu granted his name 'Purushottam' to Malmas.

Sant Ramji Das says, 'Lord Sitaram himself bathed in the Geruka River. Devotees come here because it is believed that all gods and goddesses also come to bathe in this river.'

Pandit Naveenkumar Jha says, 'Bathing, charity, and worship in holy rivers during Purushottam Maas have special significance. Bathing in Geruka in Mithila is considered as important as Prayagraj and Rajgir. It is believed that performing cow donation and other donations after bathing here yields special merit.'

According to religious beliefs, bathing and worshiping in the Geruka River during Purushottam Maas are believed to destroy sins, provide relief from diseases, and bring family happiness and peace. Throughout the month, Akhand Kirtan, Ramnaam Sankirtan, and worship are conducted here. The tradition of taking Jalebi (Jillebi) home as a gift after bathing is also a specialty here.

The Geruka River, which holds religious and cultural significance, is still not well-managed. There have been drowning incidents in the past, and this year too, drowning incidents have been reported. Local Jagdish Yadav says, 'Proper management of the river, safe ghats, and security arrangements are necessary. People lose their lives due to floods and accidents from time to time, so the local government should manage it properly.'

Cultural expert Rupa Jha, who came from Kathmandu for the first time to bathe in Geruka, says, 'The crowd here is no less than Rajgir in India, but the security system seems weak. If its glory and history can be promoted, there is a possibility of religious tourists coming from India as well. It is known as Mithila's Moksha River. It is believed that bathing here during Purushottam month leads to salvation. There is also a tradition of donating cows, gold, and seven types of grains here.'

Loharpatti Municipality Chief Shailendra Yadav said that budget has been allocated from time to time for the conservation and management of the Geruka River. He says, 'The efforts of the local government alone are not enough, so the federal, provincial, and local governments need to work together to develop this area as a religious and tourist destination. Lakhs of devotees come here for bathing during Purushottam Maas. A large crowd of devotees comes from places like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhesh Province, etc. This is Mithila's sin-cleansing river, saints come here, and we are trying to manage it.'

The Geruka fair, embodying faith, history, public belief, and Mithila's cultural identity, remains a center for millions of devotees even today. However, local residents believe that if the concerned bodies pay attention to its conservation, safe management, and effective promotion, this invaluable religious heritage of Mithila will be further revealed. The 72 Kunds, 52 Kutis, and rivers of the Mithila region each have their own significance. While efforts are underway to include Janaki Temple in the World Heritage List, the conservation and promotion of heritage sites like the Geruka River will further support that campaign.