Unique Chhath Tradition at Sitacharan Temple in Munger, Bihar

Munger, November 11 (Daily Kiran) : The Chhath festival, one of Bihar’s most cherished folk celebrations, holds profound religious and cultural significance in Munger. The Sitacharan Temple, situated on a large rock in the Ganges, is central to a unique Chhath tradition associated with Mata Sita and sage Mudgal.

Local beliefs suggest that during her stay at sage Mudgal’s ashram, Mata Sita worshipped the Sun God at this very spot, offering prayers at both sunrise and sunset. This connection transforms Sitacharan into a vital center of faith for devotees during the four-day Chhath festival.

Many locals believe that the large footprints found on the rock in the Ganges belong to Mata Sita. This site is referred to as ‘Sitacharan’ or ‘Manipashan.’

According to religious texts, after defeating Ravana, Lord Ram and Mata Sita visited sage Mudgal’s ashram, where he advised her to worship the Sun God. This pivotal moment is considered a cornerstone of the Chhath tradition in Munger and is mentioned in the ‘Anand Ramayana’ under the ‘Sita-Mudgal’ narrative.

References to the rock and its footprints appear in the 1926 publication of the ‘Munger District Gazetteer,’ providing a written record of the local religious beliefs. However, these stories and traditions are deeply rooted in faith and do not establish historical authenticity.

Munger’s religious identity is also closely tied to sage Mudgal. Local traditions and historical accounts refer to this area as ‘Mudgalpur’ or ‘Mudgalgiri,’ with a popular belief that the name evolved into ‘Munger’ over time. Thus, the religious significance of Sitacharan is deeply intertwined with the ancient connections of this city to sages and hermits.

Another unique aspect of the Chhath festival in Munger is the ‘Uttarvahini Ganga.’ Here, the Ganges changes its course and flows northward in front of the Kasthahari Ghat, a phenomenon considered highly sacred.

During the festival, devotees travel by boat to the Sitacharan site to worship the Sun God. The gathering of pilgrims at this unique religious location has become a defining feature of Munger’s Chhath celebrations. However, the festivities extend beyond Sitacharan, with large crowds also gathering at various ghats throughout the city, including Kasthahari Ghat, Babua Ghat, Soji Ghat, Jail Ghat, and Kankar Ghat.

Over the four-day festival, which includes rituals such as Nahai-Khai, Kharna, Sandhya Arghya, and Usha Arghya, the entire city becomes vibrant with devotion.

Munger is also deeply connected to Bihar’s folk music tradition. The popular Chhath song “Mora Bhaiya Jail Mahenga Munger,” sung by renowned folk singer Sharda Sinha, highlights the city’s connection to the festival’s shopping and family traditions.

The Chhath celebration in Munger brings together religious faiths tied to Sitacharan, the legacy of sage Mudgal, the sanctity of the Uttarvahini Ganga, and the cultural heritage preserved through folk songs. This tradition reflects not only religious rituals but also a profound reverence for the Ganges, nature, folk culture, and social harmony.