Vibhisana, the Eternal Devotee

The legend of Vibhisana’s devotion to Lord Jagannath is a captivating tale that highlights the profound spiritual significance of the Jagannath Temple. Vibhisana, the righteous brother of the demon king Ravana, is believed to continue his devotion to the Lord even after the events of the Ramayana.

It is said that Vibhisana, recognizing Lord Rama as the Supreme Being, sought refuge at His feet. After Ravana’s demise, he was crowned the king of Lanka. However, his heart remained eternally devoted to Lord Rama. According to the beliefs of the people of Puri, Vibhisana visits the Jagannath Temple every night to witness the final ritual, known as Pahuda Arati.

A remarkable incident further solidifies this belief. In 1810, the head priest of the Jagannath Temple, Pattajoshi Mahapatra, encountered a mysterious figure during his nightly return from the temple. Despite the darkness, he sensed an immense presence and inquired about the identity of the stranger. The figure, who was enormous in stature, revealed himself as Vibhisana, hailing from a celestial realm.

As a token of his divine identity, Vibhisana gifted Pattajoshi Mahapatra a golden armlet, far too large for a human to wear. This extraordinary artifact, still preserved by the Pattajoshi family, serves as tangible evidence of Vibhisana’s visit.

The legend of Vibhisana’s devotion to Lord Jagannath adds a mystical dimension to the already revered temple. It underscores the timeless nature of faith and the power of divine grace. Vibhisana’s continued reverence for the Lord, even after millennia, inspires countless devotees to seek spiritual solace and divine blessings within the sacred precincts of the Jagannath Temple.