Manpathar
A Rock of Divine Footprints: Manpathar, also known as Sita Charan (Sita's Footprint), is a massive, solitary rock formation situated right in the middle of the Ganga river bed, very close to the famous Kastaharni Ghat. This site is steeped in the mythology of the Ramayana. The name Sita Charan comes from the distinct impression of two feet found on the rock's surface, which devotees profoundly believe are the sacred footprints of Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. According to the legend, Sita touched this rock while crossing the Ganga river as she and Lord Rama were traveling after her marriage from Mithila back to Ayodhya. A small, simple temple has been constructed on the rock, turning this natural formation into a sacred pilgrimage site. The rock's presence in the middle of the holy river, particularly during the low-water season, makes it a powerful symbol of eternal faith and a unique destination requiring boat travel, highlighting the enduring connection of Munger with the epic Ramayana and the divine history of India.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 Hours (excluding boat travel)Place Type:
Religious/Mythological Site:Entry Fees:
Free Natural Landmark: There is No Entry Fee to the rock itself.
Mandatory Boat Fee: The main cost is the mandatory hiring of a boat from Kastaharni Ghat or another point, which is a negotiated fee (usually a nominal, fixed amount per person...Free Natural Landmark: There is No Entry Fee to the rock itself.
Mandatory Boat Fee: The main cost is the mandatory hiring of a boat from Kastaharni Ghat or another point, which is a negotiated fee (usually a nominal, fixed amount per person or a higher price for hiring the whole boat).
Puja/Offering Fees: A small donation or fee is expected by the priest for performing a puja or offering materials.
No Photography Fee: There is no separate charge for photography, though professional shoots should seek permission. :Timing:
Water Level Dependent:
Regular Timings: Accessible during daylight hours (6:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to ensure safe boat travel. The rock is often inaccessible or partially submerged during the peak Monsoon season.
Ide...Water Level Dependent:
Regular Timings: Accessible during daylight hours (6:00 AM to 5:00 PM) to ensure safe boat travel. The rock is often inaccessible or partially submerged during the peak Monsoon season.
Ideal Visit Time: Winter (November to February) is the ideal time, as the water level is low, and the entire rock is fully exposed, making the boat ride easier and safer. Early Morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) is best for tranquil worship and photography.
Peak Time: Chhath Puja sees massive crowds, and the wait for a boat can be very long. :Special Events:
Chhath Puja: This is the peak special event, during which the Manpathar rock becomes one of the most important centers for devotees to offer arghya (offering) to the Sun God Surya at sunrise and sunset, creating a highly spiritual and crowded spectacle.
Read MoreChhath Puja: This is the peak special event, during which the Manpathar rock becomes one of the most important centers for devotees to offer arghya (offering) to the Sun God Surya at sunrise and sunset, creating a highly spiritual and crowded spectacle.
Ram Navami: The festival celebrating Lord Rama's birth sees an increased flow of devotees to the related sites like Sita Charan.
Makar Sankranti: The auspicious day for a holy dip in the Ganga also draws pilgrims who often combine their snan with a visit to the rock.
Low-Water Season Events: Any small, local rituals held on the rock specifically during the low-water months when access is easiest. :Best Photo Spots:
The Temple on the Rock: A close-up shot of the small, simple temple built on the rock, especially when framed by the vast Ganga river in the background, symbolizes the deep faith associated with the place.
Panoramic River View: A wide-angle ...The Temple on the Rock: A close-up shot of the small, simple temple built on the rock, especially when framed by the vast Ganga river in the background, symbolizes the deep faith associated with the place.
Panoramic River View: A wide-angle shot taken from the rock's surface that captures the 360-degree panorama of the holy Ganga and the Munger shoreline, including the historic fort wall.
The Boat Ride: A photo capturing the journey—the small boat cutting through the water with the rock visible in the distance or a photo from the boat looking back at the shoreline. Sita Charan (The Footprints) A respectful, detailed photo of the actual footprint impression (if permitted by the priest) is the ultimate photographic relic of the visit.
Sunset Silhouette: A photo of the small temple silhouetted against the dramatic colors of a Ganga sunset. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Taking a Boat Trip: The necessary first activity is hiring a local boat (usually a rowboat) from Kastaharni Ghat or a nearby point to reach the rock in the middle of the Ganga.
Worshipping the Footprints: Perform puja and offer prayers and flowers at the small temple built over the Sita Charan impressions.
Meditating in the River: The quiet atmosphere in the middle of the river is ideal for peaceful meditation, leveraging the natural energy of the holy water.
River Photography: Capture the unique perspective of the surrounding landscape, including the Munger Fort and Kastaharni Ghat, from the water.
Waiting for Sunset/Sunrise: If the boatman allows, experiencing the sunrise or sunset from the rock (with caution) is a phenomenal e...
Information
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Why Famous:
Divine Footprints: Manpathar's fame is almost entirely due to the revered belief that it bears the authentic footprints (Sita Charan) of Goddess Sita from the epic Ramayana, making it one of the few places in India where a physical mark of Sita is worshipped.Divine Footprints: Manpathar's fame is almost entirely due to the revered belief that it bears the authentic footprints (Sita Charan) of Goddess Sita from the epic Ramayana, making it one of the few places in India where a physical mark of Sita is worshipped.
Island Temple: Its dramatic location in the middle of the holy Ganga river, which requires a boat trip to reach, adds a romantic and adventurous element to the pilgrimage.
Chhath Puja Significance: The site gains immense importance during the Chhath Puja festival, where devotees offer prayers to the Sun God in the river, with the Manpathar rock being a significant point of worship and gathering.
Ramayana Circuit: It is a vital spot on the local religious circuit that links Munger to the larger narrative of Lord Rama's journey. : -
Architecture:
Natural Rock Formation with Shrine: The architecture is a fascinating blend of natural geology and minimal human intervention.
Natural Base: The core is the natural, massive rock formation itself, which is approximately 250 meters long and 3...Natural Rock Formation with Shrine: The architecture is a fascinating blend of natural geology and minimal human intervention.
Natural Base: The core is the natural, massive rock formation itself, which is approximately 250 meters long and 30 meters wide, providing a stable, albeit sometimes partially submerged, platform in the middle of the river.
The Footprint: The central 'architectural' feature is the natural depression or mark in the rock surface that resembles the divine footprints of Sita.
Mandir Structure: A small, humble temple (Mandir) or shrine is built over the footprints, providing a covered area for puja and veneration, using simple, durable materials to withstand the seasonal flow of the Ganga.
Dimension highlights:
Rock Size: The rock's length of 250 meters and width of 30 meters makes it a substantial natural island in the river.
Temple Size: The temple itself is very small, designed only to house the footprints and a few priests/worshippers, ensuring the focus remains on the natural sacred site. The overall architecture is one of reverence, where a small structure protects a naturally formed, highly significant relic. : -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest major airport is Patna (PAT), Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, about 185 KMS away. From Patna, take a taxi or train to Munger/Jamalpur Junction.
By Train: The nearest major railway station is Munger Railway Sta... -
Near Tourist Places:
Kastaharni Ghat (1 KM by boat), Munger Fort (2 KMS by road/boat), Mir Kasim's Palace (2 KMS by road/boat), Pir Shah Nafah Shrine (2 KMS by road/boat), Goenka Shivalaya (3 KMS by road/boat), Bihar School of Yoga (4 KMS by road/boat), Sita Kund (7 KMS by road), Rishi Kund (12 KMS by road), Chandika Asthan Temple (5 KMS by road), Sri Krishna Vatika (3 KMS by road)
Tourism Tips
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Boat Safety and Timing:
Health & Safety: Boat Safety is paramount. Use only licensed boatmen, ensure there are enough life jackets (if available), and do not travel in overloaded boats.
Packing: Wear clothes...
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