An Unshakable Faith and Unique Example in Shravani Mela; Father Mithilesh Kumar is Doing 'Dandvat Yatra' by Seating His Barely Two-Month-Old Daughter in a Doli, Stepping Toward Baba Baidyanath's Court After Fulfillment of Vow
Bhagalpur, Special Correspondent: On the occasion of the holy month of Sawan, the worship of Lord Mahadeva is underway across the entire country. The famous Kanwariya path extending from Sultanganj to Deoghar is currently overflowing with a deluge of Shiva devotees. Meanwhile, a heart-touching and extraordinary sight has emerged from the Kanwariya path in Bhagalpur, leaving every passing pilgrim deeply emotional. Here, a father is performing a 'Dandvat Yatra' (prostration journey) by lying flat on the ground while carrying his barely two-month-old infant daughter seated inside a specially decorated small doli (palankeen). This immense devotion and reverence of the father not only reflects an unwavering belief in Lord Shiva but also delivers a powerful message of 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) and 'Respect for Daughters' in modern society.
What is the Full Story of the Vow? (A Unique Resolution)
According to information received, the devotee undertaking this unique and arduous journey, Mithilesh Kumar, is originally a resident of Muzaffarpur district in Bihar, but his devotion is moving toward the sacred land of Deoghar via Bhagalpur:
The Vow for a Daughter Last Year: Mithilesh Kumar shared that during Sawan last year (2025), he had gone for the darshan and worship of Baba Baidyanath. At that time, he had prayed at the court of Bholenath to be blessed with the birth of a daughter (ratna).
The Unique Resolution: He had also taken a vow to Bholenath that if this wish was fulfilled and a daughter was born into his family, he would return for the next Shravani pilgrimage to visit Baba Baidyanath's court while performing prostrations alongside his little angel.
Fulfilling the Promise Upon Wish Fulfillment: His wish was fulfilled in the year 2026, and a healthy daughter was born into his family. After his vow was fulfilled, Mithilesh wasted not a single moment in deciding to complete his arduous resolution, setting out on this challenging journey with his two-month-old baby girl seated in a doli.
Special Arrangements for the Baby's Comfort in the Doli
Performing a prostration journey by lying on the road is physically extremely taxing and difficult; thus, keeping a two-month-old infant along on such a journey is nothing short of a challenge:
Comfortable and Safe Doli: Father Mithilesh Kumar has specially crafted a small and secure doli for his daughter. Special care has been taken within this doli to protect the little baby from harsh sunlight, dust, and heat.
Provisions for Air and Light: Inside the doli, small fans, adequate ventilation, and other necessary arrangements have been made for the baby's comfort so that she does not face any inconvenience during the journey. Other family members are also assisting in this journey to ensure there is no lapse in looking after the infant.
Center of Major Attraction on the Kanwariya Path
This unique journey along the Kanwariya route from Bhagalpur to Deoghar has become the talk of the town:
Awe and Respect Among Devotees: Whichever Kanwariya or local resident witnesses this sight is left overwhelmed. People are saluting this spirit of Mithilesh Kumar and bowing before both Baba Bholenath and this father.
The Message "If There is a Daughter, the Family is Complete": Mithilesh states that while he already has a son in his family, the arrival of his daughter has made his family truly complete. This step of his serves as a strong blow to the conservative mindset of society that discriminates between sons and daughters. This journey proves that daughters are not a burden, but a divine blessing and the pride of the family.
This prostration journey making its way toward Deoghar via Bhagalpur is not merely a religious ritual or a symbol of a fulfilled vow; rather, it is a document of that sacred emotion of motherhood and fatherhood which guides society in a positive direction. The devotion of father Mithilesh Kumar, carrying his two-month-old infant daughter in a doli, demonstrates that with true faith and love, even the most difficult paths become easy. This journey has established itself as an inspiring example for society in the days to come.
