Patna youth runs across India on pilgrimage, praying for his mother's recovery; reaches Petlawad

Monu Raj Chauhan, 20, a resident of Patna in Bihar, is travelling across the country on foot, running, on a religious journey. The reason is his mother's health. He began the journey after vowing to undertake it for her recovery.

The journey began on 15 March, and Monu has so far run more than 9,000 km. On Friday afternoon he reached Petlawad in Jhabua district.

Praying for his mother's recovery, Monu had pledged to visit the 12 Jyotirlingas and the Char Dham. He has so far visited eight of the 12 Jyotirlingas. After offering prayers to Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain, he reached Badnawar, where he visited Baijnath Mahadev. From Petlawad he set off for the Somnath Jyotirlinga in Gujarat.

Monu runs 40 to 50 km every day. He is accompanied on a two-wheeler by his 13-year-old nephew and Akash, 20. The two look after the essential supplies and help with other arrangements.

As soon as news of Monu's arrival in Petlawad spread, people gathered to see him. Women, along with young men, came to welcome him. Traffic on the highway slowed for a while as people tried to catch a glimpse of him.

Monu said his mother's health had begun to deteriorate a few years ago. Despite long treatment there was no improvement, and the family had to go to hospital several times. Amid worry over her condition, he prayed for her recovery and resolved to undertake this journey.