MAHAPRABHU- VIBHISANA

Vibhisana was one of the brothers of the demon king Ravana in Lanka during Tretaya Yuga. Yet he took shelter at the feet of Pravu Rama. After the death of Ravana, he was made king of Lanka. He always felt that Rama was the Supreme Pravu, and it is believed by the people of Puri that he comes every day to Mahapravu Shree Jagannath, feeling that He is Sri Rama Himself. Like all the devas, Vibhisana comes to see and enjoy the last ritual at midnight, known as Pahuda Arati.

It was in the year 1810, when there was no electricity and the town was dark at night. When returning home through the horse gate of the temple, head priest Pattajoshi Mahapatra felt somebody walking beside him. The person was not visible owing to the darkness, but he was so huge, it seemed his head was touching the sky. Pattajoshi Mahapatra was totally overwhelmed. Out of fear, he questioned, “Who are you, Sir?” The answer was, “I am Vibhisana from outer space. I come here daily to see the last ritual of Mahapravu Shree Jagannath.”

Still the head priest doubted him. He asked again, “Please give me some proof that you are from the outer space!” So Vibhisana gave him the huge golden armlet he was wearing and vanished. Even now, almost 200 years later, this ornament given by Vibhisana of Devaloka is worshipped in the residence of Pattajoshi Mahapatra’s family. It may be seen and verified. The ornament is the size of a wheel of a bullock cart. It could never have been used by a human being.