Mom on palanquin, 2 bros walk 1,200 kilometers to Yamunotri

UTTARKASHI: Amid the thousands of devotees visiting the revered Char Dham shrines during this record-breaking season, two brothers stand out for their extraordinary act of devotion to their mother. Dheeraj, 24, and Tejpal, 18, from Budaun, UP, began their journey from Solan, Himachal Pradesh, on Feb 18, walking more than 1,200km, visiting temples in Haridwar and Rishikesh, carrying Rajeshwari Devi, 55, on a palanquin to fulfil her wish.

The trio reached Yamunotri last Sunday and are now camping in Uttarkashi before they head to Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. The family's journey, in difficult mountainous terrain, won't end at Char Dham - they will conclude their pilgrimage at the new Ram temple in Ayodhya, visiting several other shrines on the way.

Their journey has attracted considerable attention on social media, with many people applauding their dedication and determination.

Living in Solan, Himachal Pradesh for several years, Tejpal said, "Our father died when we were young, and our mother raised us with great difficulty. She always wanted to go on a pilgrimage, but we couldn't afford a tour package with the money we earn from our small sugarcane juice stall. Now, it's our turn to fulfil her dreams in any way we can. After finishing school, we decided to carry her on a palanquin. It requires only time and physical strength."

Eating and sleeping at temples and bus stands for months, Dheeraj shared, "Apart from our love for our mother, we only had some food and a small amount of saved money for this journey. Initially, we aimed to fulfil our mother's wish to visit the Char Dham shrines and the new Ram temple. However, during our journey, many people, including policemen, helped us with food and shelter. Their blessings have turned our journey into an inspiration for many."

Rajeshwari expressed her delight and gratitude to her sons, saying, "I am blessed to have such devoted children. At a time when people often send their parents to old-age homes or treat them with disrespect, my sons are spreading a message of selfless love between children and parents. The hardship they are enduring to fulfil my dream is my true pilgrimage."