A 19-year-old man from Bihar’s Araria district has embarked on an extraordinary running pilgrimage across India to fulfil a promise he made during his mother’s illness, covering approximately 8,000 kilometres and visiting six of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Monu Meturbala, who began his journey from Patna on March 15, 2026, had vowed to run to all 12 Jyotirlingas if his mother, Lalti Devi, recovered from her illness. After her health improved, he set out to honour his promise and has since been running nearly 50 kilometres a day, multiple media reports said.
Monu’s journey has also attracted attention on social media, where he shares updates through his Instagram account. His bio describes the undertaking as a running sankalp (vow)
from Bihar to the 12 Jyotirlingas and four dhams.
Reports suggest Monu is currently in Maharashtra and has visited five to six Jyotirlingas so far.
HOW HIS MOTHER’S ILLNESS INSPIRED THE JOURNEY
According to NDTV, Monu’s mother, Lalti Devi, said her health deteriorated suddenly after a fish bone became lodged in her throat. The family sought treatment at several places, but the problem persisted, leaving them worried about her condition.
It was during this difficult period that Monu turned to prayer and made a vow to visit all 12 Jyotirlingas on foot, running between the sacred shrines, if his mother recovered.
His elder brother, Sonu Kumar, was quoted as saying that 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 fulfil the vow by undertaking the long-distance pilgrimage. His family has expressed pride in his determination to keep the promise.
Two other young men are accompanying Monu, according to his family, providing companionship and support during the journey.
The 12 Jyotirlingas are among the most revered pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Shiva. While devotees often aspire to visit all these shrines during their lifetime, Monu has chosen to undertake the journey by running between them.
Covering nearly 50 kilometres a day over an extended period requires considerable physical endurance. The journey also involves navigating changing road conditions, weather, fatigue and the practical challenges of arranging food and accommodation.
His journey has drawn comparisons with Shravan Kumar, a figure in Indian tradition remembered for his devotion to his parents.
