Bihar Youth Runs 8,000 Km to Visit 12 Jyotirlingas After Mother Recovers

Monu Meturbala, a 19-year-old from Bihar’s Araria district, has embarked on an extraordinary pilgrimage to visit all 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. He made the vow when his mother fell seriously ill and began running across India after her health improved.

A son’s love for his mother and his devotion to Lord Shiva have inspired an extraordinary journey across India. Monu Meturbala, a 19-year-old from Araria district in Bihar, is running thousands of kilometres to visit all 12 Jyotirlingas after his mother recovered from an illness.

Monu began his pilgrimage from Patna on March 15, 2026. According to reports published on October 23, he had covered approximately 8,000 kilometres and visited six of the 12 sacred shrines. He is currently in Maharashtra and aims to run around 50 kilometres every day as he continues his journey.

His story has attracted attention for the determination with which he is fulfilling a promise made during a difficult period for his family.

Why Did Monu Meturbala Vow to Visit the 12 Jyotirlingas?

Monu’s pilgrimage began when his mother, Lalti Devi, became seriously unwell. According to family members, her health deteriorated after a fish bone became lodged in her throat. Despite seeking treatment at several places, the family remained worried about her condition.

During this difficult time, Monu prayed to Lord Shiva and made a vow: if his mother recovered, he would run to visit all 12 Jyotirlingas across India.

His elder brother, Sonu Kumar, said Monu made the promise at Baba Siddheshwar Nath Temple on Barabar Hill in Bihar’s Jehanabad district.

When Lalti Devi’s health improved, Monu decided to honour his commitment. Instead of travelling between the temples by train or bus, he chose to undertake the pilgrimage by running.

For his family, the journey represents not only religious devotion but also the determination of a son to fulfil a promise made for his mother’s well-being.

Monu Has Covered Around 8,000 Km on His Jyotirlinga Journey

Monu set out from Patna on March 15, 2026, and has since travelled across several parts of India. As reported on October 23, he had completed visits to six Jyotirlingas and covered approximately 8,000 kilometres.

His goal is to run around 50 kilometres a day, although the distance covered can depend on road conditions, weather, fatigue and the demands of the pilgrimage.

Monu’s first major stop was Baba Baidyanath Dham in Jharkhand. He has continued towards other sacred sites, with two other young men accompanying him during the journey.

Running long distances over several months requires considerable physical endurance and careful planning. The journey also involves arranging food, drinking water, rest and accommodation while travelling through unfamiliar areas.

Despite these challenges, Monu remains determined to complete the pilgrimage before returning home, according to his family.

Who Is Monu Meturbala From Bihar?

Before beginning his pilgrimage, Monu led a life shaped by sport, work and family responsibilities. According to his elder brother, he developed an interest in cricket while studying in Class 6 and paid attention to his fitness.

He also worked at small jobs, including selling golgappas and chaat, and helped with electrical work. His father, Mahesh Chauhan, and elder brother both work as electricians.

The family has faced financial constraints, making the cost of a long-distance pilgrimage another challenge. His relatives helped him with some money when he departed from Patna, but Monu has been trying to manage his expenses along the way.

His father said he knew that Monu had been religious since childhood but had not expected him to undertake such a demanding journey.

The family is now following his progress and hopes he will complete the pilgrimage safely.

How Many Jyotirlingas Has Monu Visited So Far?

According to the report published on October 23, Monu had visited six of the 12 Jyotirlingas. His objective is to complete the remaining six visits before returning to Bihar.

The 12 Jyotirlingas are among the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shiva. They are located across different states, making a journey to all 12 a significant undertaking.

For Monu, running between these shrines adds a demanding physical challenge to an already extensive religious pilgrimage.

His progress has also brought attention to the role of faith and personal commitment in motivating people to undertake extraordinary journeys.

Monu’s Story Draws Comparisons With Shravan Kumar

Monu’s determination to fulfil his promise has reminded many people of Shravan Kumar, a figure in Indian tradition known for his devotion to his parents.

The comparison reflects the emotional significance of Monu’s journey. His pilgrimage began with concern for his mother’s health and has become an expression of gratitude after her recovery.

Rather than measuring the journey only in kilometres or temples visited, his family sees it as an example of his devotion and commitment.

His mother, Lalti Devi, has said she feels proud that her son is keeping the promise he made when she was unwell.

Monu’s Family Waits for Him to Complete the Pilgrimage

As Monu continues his journey through Maharashtra and other parts of the country, his family is waiting for him to complete the remaining visits and return home safely.

The pilgrimage is a test of endurance, involving thousands of kilometres, changing weather and the practical challenges of travelling on foot over a prolonged period.

For Monu, however, the purpose remains deeply personal: to honour the vow he made when his mother was ill and seek the blessings of Lord Shiva at all 12 Jyotirlingas.

His journey has turned a private promise into a story that has captured public attention, highlighting the powerful connection between faith, family and determination.