Madhepura

The present Madhepura district had already got the status of subdivision on 09/05/1845 in which there were seven blocks. Saharsa district today was then the revenue circle of Madhepura at that time. When Saharsa became a district on 01/04/1954, Madhepura became its subdivision. Madhepura subdivision which had seven blocks at that time, was given the status of a district on 09/05/1981.On 21/05/83 Uda-kishunganj Block was upgraded and made a subdivision of Madhepura district in the name of Uda-kishunganj. Besides seven old blocks, four new blocks came in to existence in the year 1994.Tour Incredible India with Indian Travel agent. There were Gwalpara, Puraini, Bihariganj and Shankarpur. First three blocks come under uda-kishunganj subdivision and last one is under Madhepura subdivision. Later on two more new blocks were constituted in the name of Ghailar and Gamaharia, under Madhepura subdivision in 1999.

The district occupies an area of 1787 km² and has a population of 1,524,596 (as of 2001). Madhepura district is surrounded by Araria and Supaul district in the north, Khagaria and Bhagalpur district in the south, Purnia district in the east and Saharsa district in the West. It is situated in the Plains of River Koshi and located in the Northeastern part of Bihar at longitude between 25°. 34 to 26°.07' and latitude between 86° .19' to 87°.07'.
So far the Communication is concerned, this district is linked with meter gauge Rail of Eastern Central Railway.Tour Incredible India with Indian Travel agent. The district is located on Katihar, Saharsa, Khagaria broad gauge Rail Section. In addition to Rail link it is connected with state H.Q.by road that starts from NH 107 at Madhepura and ends at Baijnathpur situated in between Madhepura and Saharsa link road at the distance of 14 KM from Madhepura.

Old History
The history of Madhepura is traced back to the reign of Kushan Dynasty of Ancient India. The “Bhant Community” living in Basantpur and Raibhir village under Shankarpur block are the descendents of the Kushan Dynasty.Tour India with Indian Travel Agent.

Madhepura was a part of Maurya Dynasty, this fact is asserted by the Mauryan pillar at Uda-kishunganj. A mosque of the time of Akbar is still present in Sarsandi village under Uda-Kishunganj p.s. Which shows its historical importance.Tour India with Indian Travel Agent.

Singheshwarsthan has the religious significance since ancient time as this land was the meditation place of the great Rishi, Shringi. Hence, this place is considered to be the most pious for the Hindus.
Sikander Sah had also visited the district,Tour India with Indian Travel Agent. which is evident from the coins discovered from Sahugarh village.

Places of Interest
Chandi Asthan
It is a religious place situated 8-kms north of Murliganj railway station. The village is famous throughout the district for its temple of Goddess Chandika, which draws a large number of devotees.

Singheshwar Asthan
Singheshwar Asthan has been the abode of Lord Shiva from the ancient times. Though there are various stories about the establishment of the Singheswar temple, the one that is widely and popular accepted, relates to Rishya Shring. In ancient time Singheshwar was situated on the bank of the river Kosi and was surrounded by dense and lush green forest.Experience India with Indian Travel Agent. It was ideally situated for ‘Tapasya’ and it is here that Vibhandak Rishi along with his son Rishya Shring devoted all his time in deep meditation the son, Rishya Shring knew none except his father Rishi Vibhandak.

The pleasure girls sent by king Rompada as the legend goes took Rishya Shring to ‘Malini’, the capital town of the kingdom of Anga. The kingdom and its subjects were in distress due to draught and the king was advised by the great scholars of the Vedas to bring Rishya Shring to Maline. The king was also advised to give his daughter Shanta in marriage to Rishya Shring. Experience India with Indian Travel Agent. Rishya Shring is also credited to performing in Ayodhya, on the Bank of the river Saryu, first the Ashwamedh and then Putrayeshthi Yajna. The latter gave the four sons to king Dashrath of Ayodhya. It may also be mentioned that the Rishi had deep knowledge of medicines and some scholars suggest that the Rishi prepared effective medicines to be taken by the three Queens of King Dashrath. The results are well known. The present name of Singheshwar is therefore derived from the name of Rishya Shring who had his ashram on the bank of the Kosi and the place was known as ‘Shringeswar’ the corrupted form of which was latter known as Singheshwar. Rishya Shring (or Shringi Rishi) was a great devotee of Lord Shiva and he worshipped the Lord in his ashram. As the legend goes, the Shivalinga was excavated at the place where at present the magnificent temple is situated. It is said that a merchant, whose name was Hari Charan Choudhury, constructed this temple about 200 years ago. In fact, as established by experts, the Shivalinga is on a massive rock Fifteen- Sixteen feet deep. On the day of Shivaratri lakhs of pilgrim’s congregate here to offer Puja to Lord Shiva. In the common language of the area this is called ‘Jaldhari’. All the marriage rites for four days are performed according to the traditions prevalent in Mithila. The Singheshwar temple from the point of view of its religious importance is second only to Baidyanath Dham, which after the bifurcation of Bihar, went to enjoy the first position. Pilgrims from far and wide, from various neighbouring countries including Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet etc. reach here on this occasion of Mahashivratri. A fair next only to Biggest Cattle fair of Asia Sonepur is held on this occasion in which shopkeepers hailing from different states of the country and metropolitan cities come with their merchandise and earn huge profits. The pilgrims too enjoy their shopping, he biggest attraction being cattle such as elephants, horses, cows etc. The fair is managed for a fortnight by the State Government, which set up Attractive Industrial stalls and arranges entertainment show such as Theatres, Circus, Cinemas, roundabouts etc. Singheshwar Asthan, is situated at a distance of Eight kilometers from Dauram Madhepura (N.E Railway) which headquarters of the block of same name. The village, situated about 7-kms north, is famous for an ancient Shiva temple. According to the legend, Sringa Rishi established the Shiva lingam at the Singheshwar Asthan temple. It was Shring Rishi who had performed the Putrayeshti Yajna for King Dasharath and later was blessed with four sons. The impact of this legend is seen in a regular visit of a large number of barren women for offering puja here. A month-long fair is held on the occasion of ‘’Shivaratri” which is one of the largest in the state.Indian Travel agent provides hotel bookings, hotel booking in India.

Srinagar
This village is in Singheshwar at a distance of about 9-kms to the northwest of Madhepura town. There are the remains of two forts in the village. The legend is that one Raja Sri Deva used to live in the village. There are two large tanks on the west and southwest of the fort ruins at Srinagar, one of them is called Harsar and the other is called Gupa. The temple has a Shiva Lingam and stone pillars with an inscription. We provide tourist transport in India.

Ramnagar
This is a village in Kumarkhand block situated 16-kms from Murliganj railway station. It is known for the temple of Goddess Kali. A large fair is held on the occasion of Kali-puja every year.

Basantpur
This is a village in the Sonbarsa police station at a distance of about 24-kms from Madhepura to the south. There are ruins of a fort. According to legends, it was the residence of King Virat of Mahabharat fame. Kichak, the brother-in-law of King Birat wanted to entice away Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas and for that Bhim killed him at this village.We provide tourist transport in India.