Kendrapara (Orissa), Nov 04: Constantly haunted by
fear that God would leave their village for good, residents of
a remote village of this coastal district of Orissa have Lord
Jagannath in chains.
In Jagannath temple at riverside Kakatpur under Badiha
gram panchayat, the idol is tied and iron strings that
fastens the God is affixed to the rear portion of the citadel.
The apparel covers up the symbol of captivity to give the
divinity a dignified look.
With possible leaving of God remaining uppermost in
people's minds, Jagannath is even tied atop the chariot
during annual Car Festival. In a departure from practice,
devotees pull the chariot by strings made up from iron.
"It's a tradition that we are adhering to since years
together. The villagers who have unflinching faith in
Jagannath fear that God may desert the village. That's why, we
have kept him tied", narrated Brahmananda Swain, member of
the local Jagannath Temple trustee board.
Legends has it that God had migrated to Kakatpur three
centuries back. Earlier seaside Champagada village off
Satabhaya coast housed the deity. Then Champagada was under
rule of local zamindar. Lord cursed the then ruler and left
the place for good. Later the sea gobbled up the hamlet.
"Since then during 18th century Jagannath continues to
stay in his abode in Kakatpur. But fear persists that
Jagannath may leave our hamlet. God-fearing people here have
been forced to hold the god captive", said temple priest
Satruyghan Dash.
The temple trustee, priests and locals are unanimous in
their opinion in keeping the idol in chains.
Bureau Report
First Published: Tuesday, November 04, 2008, 00:00