A Divine Friendship: Lord Jagannath’s Fast for His Devotee, Bandhu Mohanty

 

In the realm of divine lore, where love and devotion transcend earthly boundaries, the story of Bandhu Mohanty and Lord Jagannath stands as a testament to the Lord’s boundless compassion and the unique bond he shares with his devotees. Let’s explore this heartwarming tale of friendship, faith, and the Lord’s willingness to undergo hardship for his beloved devotee.

 

Bandhu Mohanty: A Friend of the Lord

 

Long ago, in the town of Jajpur, lived a humble devotee named Bandhu Mohanty. Despite facing poverty with his wife and son, Bandhu was a man of great devotion. He saw Lord Jagannath not as a distant deity, but as his closest friend – an example of Sakhya Bhakti, the devotion of friendship.

 

One day, filled with longing, Bandhu decided to visit Shrikshetra (Puri). He told his wife of their planned pilgrimage, eager to experience the divine presence of his beloved Jagannath.

 

Discrimination at the Temple Gates

 

Upon reaching the Shri Mandir, as they began to ascend the steps, a servitor shouted, “Stop him! This beggar is trying to enter the temple!” They were stopped and Bandhu explained that he was no beggar, but a devotee, longing for a glimpse of Jagannath. One servitor challenged his caste and lineage, harshly pushing him away.

 

Bandhu’s wife, hurt by this treatment, suggested they return home. Yet, Bandhu refused, declaring: “If my friend, Jagannath, casts me away, where shall I go? I will sit here and ask him why he befriends a lowly soul like me. Is this his idea of friendship?”

 

Thus, Bandhu, his wife, and son sat by the Peja Nala (a drain where the leftover rice water flows out of the temple kitchen), awaiting their friend.

 

A Divine Offering in the Dark of Night

 

Late that night, as Bandhu’s son cried from hunger, Bandhu was about to offer him the dirty peja water when a young boy appeared with a large plate. He told Bandhu, “Your friend has sent you this; he said you were waiting by this drain and asked me to bring this food.”

 

Bandhu, puzzled, asked who this friend was. The boy simply smiled and told him to eat. Bandhu, his wife, and son gratefully partook in the meal. When they looked back for the boy, he had vanished. They noticed that the plate had the Neelachakra (blue wheel) of Jagannath etched onto it, and Bandhu instantly understood that his friend had sent the food.

 

Theft and Accusations

 

Meanwhile, in the temple, the disappearance of a golden plate was discovered. News reached the king that a beggar at the Athara Nala (eighteen drains) had it. Soldiers arrived and dragged Bandhu, his wife, and son, to the palace. The servitors accused him of being a thief, saying that his low birth was the cause of his actions.

 

Bandhu, heartbroken, exclaimed that his family would starve before stealing. He explained that a young boy had given him the food, and had said that it was from his friend, and he had no idea about a golden plate.

 

Yet, the King, angered, accused him of lying using the Lord’s name, and ordered that he be imprisoned.

 

Lord Jagannath’s Anshan (Fast)

 

In the prison, Bandhu lamented to his friend: “First, you sent food, then, you allow me to be mistreated! Is this what it means to be your friend? If I am your friend, why have you let this happen to me? I’m being called a thief! Punish me all you want, but don’t hurt my innocent wife and son, who followed me here for the chance to see you.”

 

As Bandhu suffered, Lord Jagannath, too, felt the pain. He refused to eat, remaining hungry. When the Bada Panda (chief priest) tried to offer him prasad (blessed food), the Lord refused to acknowledge it. The Panda was unable to get his darshan (vision) as well.

 

Finally, in desperation, he informed the king who rushed to the temple. There, he found the Lord still in the previous night’s attire, all his offerings untouched. The Panda told him that Jagannath had not eaten or even granted him his darshan.

 

The Divine Revelation

 

The king prayed, and a voice boomed, “You have imprisoned my friend, and then you expect me to eat? He has not eaten the food that I have sent him. I will not eat until my friend returns and feeds me with his own hands. You have insulted him, called him a thief, and I will not tolerate it!”

 

The king was shocked and realized the injustice he had done to Bandhu. He rushed to the prison and brought Bandhu and his family to the temple with honor.

 

The Reunion and a Lesson in Divine Friendship

 

Bandhu offered food to Lord Jagannath. The priests and attendants who had looked down on Bandhu now felt shame and acknowledged their mistake. Bandhu, with tears of devotion, caressed the Lord, saying, “Jagannath, you are so good to me; you remained hungry for me.”

 

Gajapati, with his head bowed, said, “Victory to Lord Jagannath, the one who cares for his devotees and friends.” And the crowd echoed in unison “Victory to Lord Jagannath”

 

This story beautifully emphasizes that Lord Jagannath’s love transcends the boundaries of caste and creed. He cherishes pure devotion above all, and is a friend to all those who love him.

 

Bring the Divine Love Home

 

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