Still later,
the Tantra Shastra had its grip on Mithila and the only temple of Ugratara, which is a
Buddhistic deity imported from China through Tibet, is in Mahesi village, in Saharsa
district, which was also a part of Mithila. Mithila's contribution to philosophy, poetry
and arts has been unique but need not be dwelt on here. Vidyapati, the immortal bard, was
a Maithila and wasborn at Bisafi in Darbhanga district. Ahiari village in Darbhanga district, about two miles from Kamtaul railway
station of the North Eastern Railway, has a temple of Rama and Sita. The temple commemo-
rates the story of Ahalya, wife of the sage Gautama. It is said that when Gautama Rishi
was away for a while, Lord Indra assumed the Rishi's shape and visited Ahalya. On
returning, Gautama learnt from his wife of the trick played by Lord Indra.
The Rishi then cursed Ahalya, who turned into stone. She remained like that till Sri
Rama's visit to the ashram of Gautama, while on his way to Janakpur. Rama removed the
spell and Ahalya was revived. Maharaja Chatra Singh Bahadur of Darbhanga built the present
temple of Ahiari only in 1817. A mela is held there every year in the month of Chaitra on
Ramanavami day. The mela lasts for several days and is very popular. |