The culture of Mithila is deeply rooted in its sacred rivers. Ancient Mithila is blessed with many silvery rivers, including the Kaushiki (Koshi), Kamala, Dugdhamati, Yamuni, Jibachha, Geruka, Jhim, Bagmati, and Lakshmana (Lakhandei).
Kaushiki or Koshi
A legend in the Valmiki Ramayana tells the story of King Kush, whose son Vishwamitra was a revered sage. Vishwamitra’s daughter, Kaushiki, was deeply devout and married the sage Richik. They had three sons.
Once, King Ambrish performed an Ashwamedha Yagna, but Indra, the king of gods, stole the sacrificial horse. Distressed, the king and sages searched for a human substitute to complete the ritual. Despite offering great wealth, no one came forward. Finally, King Ambrish begged Richik to sacrifice one of his sons. Reluctantly, Richik offered his middle son, Sunahsen.
Kaushiki, overcome with grief, wept ceaselessly until her body dissolved into a river—the Kaushiki. Sunahsen was later saved by Vishwamitra’s grace. Kaushiki became a beloved companion of Janaki (Sita) and now flows as the Koshi, nourishing Mithila with its waters.
Kamala
Kamala was the daughter of a Brahmin who lived on the Mandarachal Mountain. She came to perform penance in a beautiful cave of the Himalayas, continuing her meditation for a thousand years. At last, a radiant glow burst forth from her mouth. The king of the mountain approached her and asked who she was. Pleased with her devotion, he said, "I am very much pleased with you. Ask for whatever you desire; I will fulfill all your wishes."
Hearing this, Kamala prayed, "If you are truly pleased with my penance, grant that I be as sacred as the Ganges." Himban, the king of the mountain, blessed her, saying, "You are as dear to me as the Ganges herself. All her sacred qualities will reside in you." Kamala was deeply satisfied with this grace.
Thus, the Kamala River became an intimate and playful Sakhi (companion) of Sita. Rivers such as Shree Triyuga, Narayani, Lakshmana, Adhobara, Vanbhosha, Mandana, Yamuni, Ghumra, and Virja are also considered Sita’s companions. They are said to have visited Sita at night to play with her.
The background of the puja is provided by the Kamala Ka Geet (Song of Kamala), which narrates her brave and divine deeds, accompanied by the Dholaka, Mridanga, and Jhala. The song is soothing to the ears, and the performance as a whole is exhilarating. Similarly, the Koshi Puja is celebrated with the Koshi Ka Geet in the same style in parts of Tirhut.
Dugdhamati
In no other part of the world is there mention of a river of milk, but Mithila, a land rich in mythology and legend, is home to such a river—Dugdhamati. The literal meaning of Dugdhamati is "river of milk." When Janaki, the daughter of King Janak, was born, she began to cry. The earth, regarded as her mother since she emerged from its womb, manifested itself in the form of Kamdhenu—the divine cow—and nursed her with its milk. Thus Janaki was nurtured. It is said that the Dugdhamati River was born from the overflow of milk from Kamdhenu’s countless udders. Even today, its waters are milky, sweet, and tasteful. Many saints and sages meditated on its sacred banks, chanting the name of Lord Rama. Among them were King Sutichhan, Rambaba, Premdas, and Vimala Sharan—renowned saints of their time.
Even today, despite disturbances from thieves and robbers, many saints continue to chant and meditate along the banks of this sacred river. Dugdhamati remains a renowned center of religious and spiritual devotion.
Yamuni
The Yamuni River flows about five miles from Janakpur. It should not be confused with the famous Yamuna of Gokul and Vrindavan, associated with Lord Krishna and the Gopinis. This Yamuni is distinct but equally revered. Today, sisters worship their brothers on its banks during Bhai Tika (the second day of Kartik’s bright fortnight), a day of familial devotion. Traditionally, families also share meals here on this auspicious occasion.
Jibachha
Located near Kanchanvan (the golden forest), the Jibachha River is believed to bless those who bathe in it with the boon of sons and daughters and a life of happiness and longevity.
Geruka
The Geruka River flows about four miles west of Janakpur. It is considered as meritorious and spiritually fruitful as Rajgriha in Bihar, where pilgrims seek salvation. Geruka is a famous pilgrimage site in Mithila, and a grand fair is held here during Malmas (an extra month in the Hindu lunar calendar, considered auspicious for religious observances).
