A Bangle of Devotion: The Mystical Tale of Vibhishana and Lord Jagannath

 

The divine play of Lord Jagannath is often veiled in mystery, filled with tales of devotion, and love. Among these, the story of Vibhishana’s kankana (bangle), a testament to his enduring devotion to Lord Rama and later to Lord Jagannath, stands out. Let’s explore this mystical story that connects the Treta Yuga with the divine abode of Shrikshetra.

 

Vibhishana’s Unwavering Devotion

 

In the Treta Yuga, Lord Rama, with the help of his devotee Vibhishana, vanquished the demon king Ravana. After this victory, Rama crowned Vibhishana as the king of Lanka. But Vibhishana had no desire for earthly power, his heart was set on the devotion of the Lord. He knew that the time of Lord Rama’s earthly manifestation was drawing to a close. He asked his beloved Lord if he would ever have the opportunity to see him again. Lord Rama, in his infinite mercy, promised that in the Kali Yuga, he would manifest in the mortal realm as Jagannath in Nilachala Dhama (Puri) and Vibhishana could come to see him every day on the Ratna Singhasana (jeweled throne).

 

From that day forward, Vibhishana, in disguise, traveled to the Bada Deula (Shri Jagannath Temple) every day to worship the Lord.

 

Shri Pattajoshi Mahapatra: A Servitor’s Devotion

 

Among the many servitors at Shri Jagannath Temple was Shri Pattajoshi Mahapatra. Once, when devotees prepared to embark on a pilgrimage, they invited Pattajoshi to accompany them. However, his dedication to the Lord did not allow him to leave his service. He felt a pang of sadness, though, for not being able to join them.

 

That night, Lord Jagannath appeared to him in a dream, instructing him to stand at the Jaya-Vijaya Dwara (main gate) during the Chandan Lagi (sandalwood offering) ceremony, holding a cane. The Lord said that someone would ask him to lower the cane, which he should do, and then he should hide nearby. Then, the Lord said that the person will ask him again to lift the cane and when he does, he should ask his name. The Lord promised that this would lead him to an invaluable treasure.

 

Encounter with a Divine Being

 

Following the Lord’s instructions, Pattajoshi stood at the Jaya-Vijaya Dwara. As the time for the Chandan Lagi drew close, a radiant figure approached him and asked him to lower his cane. After seeing the Lord, the radiant being returned and asked him to lift the cane. When Pattajoshi did so, he asked the being’s name, and the figure then revealed himself as the King of Lanka, Vibhishana, and said he visited Jagannath daily to offer his prayers.

 

Overwhelmed, Pattajoshi gave him some sacred sandalwood paste and basil leaves. As Vibhishana prepared to leave, Pattajoshi requested a memento of this divine encounter.

 

The Gift of the Golden Bangle

 

Pattajoshi requested a token of his blessing, “O great one! Please give me something as a token so that the devotees will believe that I have met you.” After some thought, Vibhishana removed his golden kankana (bangle) and gifted it to Pattajoshi Mahapatra. That golden bangle is still revered in the Pattajoshi family’s home.

 

Vibhishana’s Plea and Jagannath’s Grace

 

With his daily visits now revealed, Vibhishana prayed to Lord Jagannath, “O Lord! As per your wish, I visit you every day, now everyone knows of this. How can I now visit you without any disturbance?”

 

In response, Lord Jagannath manifested three smaller forms of the deities (Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra) on the southern side of the temple’s upper floor, so that Vibhishana can have darshan without any trouble. This area is known as the ‘Vibhishana Darshan Mandap’.

 

Balram Das’s description

 

The poet Balram Das describes that the Lord said “From the time, you will attain darshan in Neelachala,” in his Bata Avakash (story) .

 

Balram Das has also written in the Bata Avakash about Vibhishana’s visit during the Rath Yatra:

 

“When I take the south turn during the Dwadasa Yatra (twelve festivals), you, Vibhishana, will be able to see me.”

 

This refers to when Lord Jagannath returns from the Gundicha Temple to the main temple, taking a southward direction, and where Vibhishana’s presence and Bandapana (offering) is done.

 

A Lesson in Unwavering Devotion

 

The story of Vibhishana’s kankana is a powerful testament to the bond between the Lord and his devotees. It highlights the fact that devotion, when combined with unwavering faith, leads to divine encounters and eternal blessings. It also reminds us that the Lord himself takes steps to protect his devotees.

 

Bringing the Divine Home

 

If you are inspired by the devotion of Vibhishana and the profound grace of Lord Jagannath, explore the handcrafted items at justkalinga.com. With worldwide shipping, you can bring the spirit of this sacred story and the essence of devotion into your own home.