Deep spiritual devotion often leads people to push past ordinary physical limits, and Renu Harivanshi from Subana village in Haryana's Jhajjar district is demonstrating exactly that resolve. Undertaking an intense spiritual journey, she is travelling 273 kilometres to the Khatu Shyam Ji shrine through continuous prostration, known as Dandavat. Instead of regular walking, she covers the distance by walking a brief distance, lying completely flat on the ground in reverent prayer, standing back up, and repeating the cycle for the next stretch. Physical exhaustion and joint pain have not deterred her from fulfilling this rigorous pledge across hundreds of kilometres.
A 273-Kilometre Arduous Journey Commencing from Subana Village
Renu commenced her pilgrimage on 5 July from her native village of Subana. Accompanying her on the highway is a supportive group of approximately 15 people who assist with daily logistical requirements. While covering long highway distances on foot is exhausting for any ordinary traveller, Renu is completing every segment through full-body prostration. Her body touches the road surface repeatedly before she rises to take her next steps. Even after crossing the state border into Rajasthan, her disciplined rhythm has remained steady, advancing day after day along the designated route.
Giving Up Grains in 2018 for a Dedicated Spiritual Lifestyle
This demanding highway journey reflects a long-term personal commitment that began years earlier. In 2018, Renu renounced all solid food and grains, choosing to sustain herself exclusively on coconut water. Around the same time, she also resigned from her job as an ANM to commit her everyday life to community service and spiritual pursuits. Her husband, Siddharth Malhan, who works as a clerk in a cooperative bank, has supported her distinct spiritual choices within family life. He is actively accompanying her on this pilgrimage as she progresses toward the shrine.
Covering 237 Kilometres via Prostration Across 67 Days in 2023
According to Siddharth Malhan, this is not Renu's first experience with long-distance prostration. In 2023, she undertook a similar journey of 237 kilometres, completing the distance in approximately 67 days. Throughout that earlier pilgrimage, she refused to use protective mattresses or cushions on the ground. Her current undertaking is even longer at 273 kilometres, and she continues to perform every prostration directly on the ground without mattresses or protective bedding.
Spreading Awareness for Cow Protection and Sanatan Dharma
For Renu, this journey represents much more than personal temple worship. She has stated that her objective includes spreading awareness regarding public welfare, the preservation of cows, and Sanatan Dharma. A key element of her mission is advocating for cows to receive the status of Rashtra Mata. Engaging with locals and receiving their support along the way serves as the primary strength keeping her motivated throughout the challenging travel.
Past Braj Pilgrimages and Future Route Toward Salasar
Renu's past spiritual endeavours include completing four walking circumambulations of the Braj Chaurasi Kos pilgrimage. During her current trek, onlookers frequently pause by the road, moved by her dedication, offering greetings and encouragement. After briefly acknowledging their respect, she resumes her posture, lowering herself to the ground to proceed forward. Her immediate target is to reach the Khatu Shyam Ji shrine around the time of the Navratri festival. Following her arrival in Khatu, she intends to extend her journey further by undertaking a walking pilgrimage toward Salasar Balaji.
