Girija Sthan (Phulhar)

Girija Sthan, located in the village of Phulhar in Madhubani, is a site of unparalleled romantic and mythological charm, revered as the location of the 'Pushp-Vatika' (Flower Garden) where Lord Rama and Goddess Sita first saw each other. According to the Ramacharitamanas, Sita would come here daily to worship Goddess Girija (Parvati) and gather flowers for her prayers. It was in this very garden that she encountered Rama, who had come with his brother Lakshmana, marking the beginning of their eternal divine love story. The temple today is a significant pilgrimage site, especially for young couples and those seeking the blessings of Goddess Girija for a harmonious life. The atmosphere of Phulhar remains evocative of its legendary past, with lush greenery and an abundance of flowering plants that local traditions claim are descendants of the original garden. The site is a vibrant hub during the festival of Basant Panchami and Vivah Panchami, where the tales of Rama and Sita's first meeting are retold through soulful Maithili folk songs (Sohar and Samdaun). For the people of Mithila, Girija Sthan is more than just a temple; it is a sacred space that celebrates the beauty of devotion, the sanctity of nature, and the region's pride in having hosted the first meeting of the divine couple.