Sankirtan continues at Sitaram Ashram for 25 Years

By Bijaya Kumar Shah,Dhanusha, June 6: The Sitaram Ashram, located in Dhanushadham, the second most important religious and tourist destination in Dhanusha, has been conducting continual Sankirtan (devotional singing) for the past 25 years. 

Accompanied by the rhythm of the Dholak, the melody of the harmonium, and the strike of jhyali (cymbals), the chanting of the name  ‘Sitaram’ has continued without pause since 2000.

According to Mahant Dhaneshwor Yadav of the ashram, the tradition began in 2000 during a grand religious ceremony (mahayagya) organised by Chattibaba Tyagi on the ashram premises.

 Since then, the Sankirtan has been ongoing continuously. Mahant Yadav said that the Sankirtan is being carried out with the intention of promoting the well-being of humanity and the world.

He informed that the ashram hosts four different kirtan mandalis, which take turns performing kirtan bhajans.

 “Most members of these mandalis are saints and ascetics who have devoted their entire lives to this cause. They live, eat, and dedicate their lives entirely to spiritual practice within the ashram,” he added.

According to him, the ashram has no permanent source of income. Its religious activities are sustained entirely by donations and support from local devotees. 

Some offer grains, while others contribute vegetables. The saints and monks rely entirely on these offerings.

Mahant Yadav emphasised that the Sankirtan has never stopped, regardless of the weather.

 “Whether it is stormy winds, heavy rainfall, extreme cold, or even devastating earthquakes, the chanting of Sitaram has never stopped. There is a divine power in the name Sitaram,” he added.

He further added that the original culture of Mithila, especially through its traditional musical instruments and the chanting of the name Sitaram, brings a transcendent joy and has enhanced the religious significance of Dhanushadham.

Rajendra Yadav, a member of the Kirtan Mandali, said that as Dhanushadham continues to grow as a religious tourist destination, the continuous Sankirtan that has been running at Sitaram Ashram for 25 years has become a spiritual center of attraction. 

He added that devotees from across the country and even abroad come to take part in this Sankirtan.

Another member of the kirtan mandali, Shyam Narayan Singh, expressed that the continuous Sankirtan at the ashram is not just a religious practice but also a symbol of cultural awareness, spiritual devotion, and social unity.

 In the hustle and bustle of modern life, such a permanent spiritual sanctuary offers society a path toward self-reflection and collective well-being.