March 21, Kathmandu – The launch ceremony of the Maithili travel memoir Jaganmukti, authored by outgoing Executive Chairman of the National News Agency (RASAS) Dharmendra Jha, was held recently. The book was inaugurated by Surendra Raj Pande, Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, during the ‘Baglung Media Mela 2082’ organized by the Nepal Journalist Federation Baglung.
Known in literary circles by the pen name Bihwal, Dharmendra Jha’s book chronicles the journey from Muktinath, a shared pilgrimage site of Hindu and Buddhist devotees located in Mustang district beyond the Himalayas, to Jagannath, located on the seashore. He noted that Jaganmukti is the first book written in Maithili about Muktinath and expressed confidence that it will help Maithili speakers learn about and understand Muktinath better.
Highlighting the recent increase in the number of Maithili speakers visiting Muktinath, Jha stated, “Every Maithil household worships Shaligram. Muktinath is the primary center for Shaligram worship.” The book covers various experiences from the journey within its total 102 pages and includes important photographs. Dharmendra Jha has previously published numerous works including Rasta Takait Jingi, Ek Srishti Ek Kavita, Ek Samayak Bat, Shahark Bheedme Esagar Hum, Vyomak Ohi Paar, Maithila Mithak, Nepaliyai Maithili Chhapa Patrakaritako Itihaas, Bhramarka Utkrisht Natakharu (translation), and Gonu Jhaka Kathaharu, among others.
