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On
the way to Madhubani is a Saurath, known for the Somnath Mahadev temple which is prominent for annual Sabha held for
negotiating marriages.
About
9 km. from Madhubani is Kapileswarsthan,
a Shiva temple, where devotees flock in the month of Shravan. On the occasion
of Maha Shiv Ratri, a large fair is held every year.
Temple of Bhagwati, on the banks of River
Thumne is worth a visit. According to legends, Bhagwati blessed Kalidas, the
renowned here.
You
can also visit Bhawanipur and pray at the temple of Ugaranath, avtara of Shiva.
Other Activities
With
numerous rivers dotting the landscape, boating and water related activities can
be enjoyed.
Go
shopping in the local bazaars and see Madhubani paining being done by the local
artists.
Tourism Information
Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation Bir
Chand Patel Path, Patna PIN-
800 001
In
1972, Madhubani was made a separate district and set apart from the old
Darbhanga district. Today,
it is a district headquarters that is situated about 26 kilometres from
Darbhanga town, and was part of the largest zamindari of India, Darbhanga
Raj. 'Madhuban' literally means forest of honey, which can be found in
abundance near this historic town. This small, but beautiful village, attained
great popularity due to its immensely famous art, known today as Madhubani
painting. Historically, it has been a focal point of Maithili culture.
The
Madhubani art form dates back to several centuries, with tradition holding that
it was first commissioned by King Janak for the wedding of his daughter Sita
with Lord Ram. Done generally by the women of the region, Madhubani art form
was traditionally done on mud walls, and is now being done on cotton textiles,
hand made paper and canvas. The themes in Madhubani paintings include Hindu
Gods, Goddesses and Nature. The exquisite Madhubani art form has three sub
divisions the Brahmin, Kshatriya and Tattoo styles.
Madhubani
has the distinction of being the birth place of some of the greatest literary
figures of ancient India
including the great poet Mahakavi Kalidas, Mahakavi Vidyapati, Vachaspati I and
Vachaspati II.
The
rivers that flow near Madhubani include the Kosi river, Kamla Balan, Bhutahi
Balan, Adhwara or little Baghmati, and Kareh making the place a lush green
paradise dotted with ancient temples. With greater influx of tourists,
Madhubani has developed into a modern town with has been able to retain its
rustic atmosphere and old traditions. Apart from the Madhubani paintings, there
are a variety of sightseeing destinations.
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