Dhanusha

Dhanusha is an historical and religious place of our country Nepal. It has been a place of pilgrimage for the Hindus of India and Nepal since time immemorial. It is situated 15 Kms far from Janakpur, head quarters of Dhanusha District. There is a temple of Great Shiva Dhanu ( The great Bow of Lord Shiva) along with a big banyan tree. Devotees congregate at this sacred place on the auspicious occasions of Ramanavami (March April) and Vivah Panchami (December). These two religious festivals are held in a big style in Dhanusha every year. A big fair is also held on the first Magh of Nepalese month on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. From India, the entrance is from Jayanagar Railway station in Darbhanga District of Bihar and Bhitamod in Sitamarhi District of the same state. Dhanusha is linked with Janakpur by road. There is a gravel fair weather road. There is a regular bus-service from Janakpur but it is not suitable in the rainy season. It is also linked with the East-West High way. It is situated near by the foot hills of Chure Mountains. So this is a suitable religious place for the people of Terai as well as for the people of hill. This folk fair which takes place here, also provides nearby people to meet their relatives and friends at one place. Therefore Dhanusha is the centre of social gathering.

Dhanusha is also the centre of business for the people of Terai and hill. The hilly people bring Khukari, dogs, seasonal fruits, blankets to sell there and buy salt, sugar, soap and daily necessary commodities. The people of Terai bring clothes. etensils, sweets and other essential things. This way Dhanusha is famous for commercial purposes. This fair is also the centre of attraction and entertainment for the people visiting this pious place. There is moving film-show, video show and Nautanki (Theatrical dance company). There is competitive folk dance of Nepalese origin also held which also serves for marriage ceremony. The winner party is always welcomed and served with decent dishes. People drink and dance for the whole night. The whole atmosphere resounds with folk musical tones and tunes. This way this place is also developing as a tourist destination day by day. One German tourist Manfred troi visited this place cycle from Janakpur and was impressed by its beautiful backdrop. The landscape is also very lovely. There is a pond full of water throughout the year. Pilgrims after taking a holy deep in this pond go to worship in the temple of Lord Ram which is very near in the same sacred complex. There are Shiva and Rama’s temples besides the Great Bow of Lord Shiva. This place is historically and religiously very famous but forgotten by the Government. There has not been done any thing for the development of Dhanusha as a religious complex. We should feel sorry and shame for this thing.
There is a legend linked to this famous religious place. The great bow named Pinak was in the possession of the king of Mithila Janak which was given to Parshuram by Lord Shiva. Janak made a vow because Sita always used to lift this from one corner to another in her house at the time of washing the house. So Janak was highly impressed by her miraculous might. He invited all the kings and princes on the auspicious occasion of this bow breaking ceremony. No kings and princes could lift the bow even one inch from the ground. Even Ravana, the demon king could not bend and break it. So King Janak became perplexed. Rama and Lakshman (sons of Dashrath, King of Ayodhya) happened to be in the vicinity of Janakpur along with Vishwamitra. They heard this and decided to join to perform this feat by the order of their Guru(teacher). So they appeared at the arena. Rama broke this divine bow of Shiva (a gift from god Shiva to Janak) in no time. Every body was astonished at this miracle. One part of broken bow fell at Dhanusha. That’s why this place is known as Dhanusha. Sita, dutiful daughter of King Janak, cool and calm, garlanded Rama. Thus the Swayamber of marriage was solemnized with great enthusiasm and entertainment.

Dhanusha became famous for this breaking ceremony of the great bow (Dhanusha) of the King Janak of Mithila. Thus it is proved that this place of pilgrimage is very pious since the time of the Eternal couple of the Hindu mythology united in wedlock in Janakpur ancient capital of Mithila.

 

© copyright-2003 Tarainews.com.np. All rights reserved
Contact us: P.O. Box:- 264, Patan, Laliptur, Nepal.
E-mail: tarai@tarainews.com.np
Web site: www.tarainews.com.np, Created By: Mahesh Adhikari (Yadav)