Bihar Youth's Monumental Spiritual Trek Arrives in Hazaribag
In an extraordinary display of devotion and endurance, a 21-year-old man from Bihar has captured national attention with his ongoing spiritual pilgrimage across the Indian subcontinent. Deepak Gupta, hailing from Muzaffarpur, reached Hazaribag on Wednesday after trekking an astonishing over 15,000 kilometers since commencing his journey on July 17, 2024.
A Journey of Faith and Minimalism
Gupta's ambitious padyatra aims to visit all twelve jyotirlingas, the four Char Dham shrines, numerous shaktipeeths, and other revered temples across India and Nepal. What makes his undertaking even more remarkable is his financial approach. He began with just Rs 224 in his pocket and has spent only Rs 24 so far—Rs 20 on water and Rs 4 as temple donations.
"The remaining Rs 200 is still with me," Gupta revealed to TOI, emphasizing that generous support from people along his route has prevented any financial hardship. His daily routine involves walking 30-40 kilometers, a testament to his physical and spiritual stamina.
Route and Spiritual Objectives
Gupta initiated his pilgrimage from the sacred Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. From Hazaribag, his immediate destination is Deoghar to visit the twelfth jyotirlinga at Baba Baidyanath Dham. Subsequently, he plans to travel to Kathmandu for the Pashupatinath temple before returning to Varanasi.
The final leg of his tour will include Mathura, Vrindavan, Maa Vaishno Devi, and the Amarnath shrine. Beyond personal devotion, Gupta stated his mission is twofold: promoting Sanatan Dharma and raising awareness about cow protection across the regions he traverses.
Extensive Travels and Previous Pilgrimages
To reach Jharkhand, Gupta has walked through numerous states, demonstrating an incredible geographical span:
- Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand
- Delhi, Haryana, and Rajasthan
- Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat
- Maharashtra, Telangana, and Goa
- Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh
- Odisha and West Bengal
He entered Jharkhand via Chaibasa and Ranchi, having already accomplished significant milestones:
- Visited all four Char Dham shrines
- Completed pilgrimages to eleven jyotirlingas
- Explored several prominent and ancient temples en route
This is not Gupta's first long-distance spiritual endeavor. In 2022, he completed a 78-day foot journey to Kedarnath. The following year, he undertook a Kanwar Yatra from his hometown to Deoghar, carrying 45 liters of water and finishing in 63 days.
Personal Background and Family Support
Deepak Gupta comes from a family of two brothers and three sisters, all of whom are married. He experienced the loss of his father, Arun Saw, at a young age—a period he credits with strengthening his resolve and sense of responsibility.
Despite facing financial constraints, Gupta's family has remained steadfastly supportive of his spiritual pursuits, enabling him to dedicate himself fully to this nationwide pilgrimage. His journey continues to inspire many as he walks with minimal resources but maximal faith across the diverse landscapes of India and Nepal.
