The Story of Eternal Faith and Hope: Lord Jagannath‘s Devotee, Bandhu Mohanty

Lord Jagannath’s Stories

Welcome to the world of devotion to the deity, here you will experience the deep faith that binds communities together, In this blog you will read a devotional story of lord Jagannath’s devotee, Bandhu Mohanty. it’s not just a tale of worship but deep trust and unimaginable faith in lord Jagannath.

As you delve into this heartfelt devotional story, prepare yourself to feel the power of faith and the comforting embrace of spiritual fulfillment.

This is a true story about a devotee named Bandhu Mohanty, who lives in Jaipur. It shows how Lord Jagannath comes down to help His devotees.

Bandhu Mohanty was a simple man, who struggled with poverty. With empty pots and nothing to eat, every day was a battle against hunger for him. The constant pain of an empty stomach and seeing his family suffer would make him tearful. His life was a never-ending struggle, filled with desperation to find food and the battle to survive.

Despite all the hardships, his faith in Lord Jagannath never trembled. He was a true devotee, he believed that the Lord would never abandon him. His prayers were full of hope and pure devotion towards Lord Jagannath.

One day Bandhu’s wife asked him why he did not go to his rich friend, about whom he always spoke proudly. Bandhu was referring to Lord Jagannath, but his wife did not understand the essence of his words. She insisted that he go to his friend, whoever he was, and ask for help.

Bandhu was very happy to hear this from his wife. He thought it would be wonderful to visit Sri Kshetra (Puri) and have darshan of Lord Jagannath. For Bandhu, Lord Jagannath was more than a friend; He was his protector and guide. Bandhu was confident that the Lord would surely help him in his time of need. Eager to receive the blessings of his beloved deity, his heart was filled with devotion and excitement as he prepared for the journey.

Bandhu and his family started their journey to Shri Kshetra (Puri), arriving four days later. They reached the Jagannath temple at the Lion’s Gate. The temple was crowded with thousands of people and security was very tight. There were many guards with sticks in their hands, making it impossible for them to enter the temple. So, Bandhu and his family waited at the South Gate, where Lord Jagannath’s kitchen is located.

Even after waiting for hours, Bandhu Mohanty and his family could not enter Lord Jagannath’s temple. His children started complaining of hunger. Desperate, Bandhu walked towards the southern gate near Peja Nala, where all the starch from the cooked rice from Jagannath’s kitchen was collected. Cows usually drink this liquid, known as Peja. Bandhu was very tired and sat down near the southern gate.

His wife said, “Why are you sitting here? It’s already evening. Come, let us go to your friend’s house so that we can have something to eat. We are all very tired and hungry. Where is your friend’s house?” At this time, all the children began to cry and said, “We are very hungry. We cannot bear our hunger any longer. If you do not feed us, we will die very soon.”

Bandhu said, “There are many guests at my friend’s house today. The gatekeeper is letting in only select guests. If anyone tries to enter by force, he will be beaten. Let us sleep here tonight. We can drink some starch from Jagannatha’s kitchen and spend the night here. Early in the morning, we will go to meet my friend and ask him to give us a place to stay and food. My friend is very kind.

They found a broken clay pot and drank the rice-starch water, which gave them some relief from hunger. Exhausted, the family soon fell asleep. Bandhu Mohanty was very upset and feeling helpless, But with hope in his heart, Bandhu started praying to Lord Jagannath, trusting in the mercy and grace of the Lord.

Meanwhile, Lord Jagannath, disguised as an old priest, came to the south gate of the temple with food for Bandhu and his family. The Lord called out Bandhu Mohanty,Hearing this, Bandhu went to the caller and saw an old Brahmin holding a plate full of various food items. The Lord in the form of this old Brahmin said to Bandhu, “Please take this food and feed it to your family members. Tomorrow morning I will arrange everything for you.” Saying this, the Lord disappeared.

Bandhu Mohanty happily accepted the prasad. He woke up his family and everyone happily ate the prasad, finally satiated by their hunger. After cleaning the thali, Bandhu went to the southern gate to return it. He pushed the door, hoping to find a Brahmin to whom he could return the thali, but to his surprise, the Brahmin was not there. Bandhu went back to his sleeping place, wrapped the thali in his clothes and decided that he would return it in the morning.

The next morning, the priests of Lord Jagannath opened the temple doors. Everyone was busy with their chores when they discovered that a gold thali was missing from the temple. The thali had been stolen! The priests reported the theft to the temple management, and the police arrested and beat up the priests, thinking that only a priest could steal a thali from the temple.

By chance some people saw a family sleeping near the southern gate of the temple. They saw a gold plate wrapped in cloth shining in the sunlight. Immediately, several people caught hold of Bandhu Mohanty. They tied him with a rope, beat him fiercely and took away the gold plate.

Bandhu Mohanty and his wife tried to explain. They said that a Brahmin (priest) had given them a plate full of prasad (blessed food) at midnight. After eating, Bandhu tried to return the plate, but the Brahmin was not found, so he wrapped it in his cloth. They pleaded with the police, saying, “We have no fault. Why are you all beating us without any reason?” But no one listened to them. Bandhu Mohanty was arrested and put in jail.

Yet his faith in Lord Jagannath remained steadfast, In the prison, Bandhu Mohanty focused his attention on Lord Jagannatha and began to pray: “Dear Lord Jagannatha, I am the greatest sinner in this universe. You are the ocean of mercy. There is no one as sinful as me, and there is no one as great as You, the Redeemer of fallen souls. Please do whatever You want to do with me. I have no other refuge than You.” With these thoughts, he meditated on the Lord’s lotus feet.

Later that evening, all the devotees of the temple finished their work and went home. But Lord Jagannath, who cares so much for his devotees, could not see Bandhu Mohanty in pain. So he appeared in a king’s dream and said, “O King, listen: when guests come to your house, do you let them stay without feeding and taking care of them? Is there anyone in your palace who stays without eating?

My friend came from Jajpur with his whole family having so much faith in me. I fed him. I served my friend, prasad on my golden plate. What is your problem? Your people caught him and his family, beat them badly, tied their hands and feet and put them in prison. Now my friend’s whole family is in great distress.

I order you to go to Puri immediately, release them from prison and wash their feet with utmost humility. Give them the best clothes and ornaments. My friend deserves the same service from you as you give me. You should provide him and his family with the best food and accommodation for life.” Saying this, Lord Jagannatha woke the king and then left the palace.

The king immediately called all his ministers and told them everything. He himself went to the prison to release Bandhu Mohanty and embraced him affectionately. The king said, “My life has become successful just by your darshan. Now I am blessed. Please forgive me for all the crimes committed by my people.”

After saying this, the king performed a special ritual with holy water for Bandhu Mohanty and gave him beautiful clothes to wear. He arranged for the care of Bandhu Mohanty’s entire family for the rest of his life. The king treated them like his relatives and arranged a house for them near the south gate of the temple.

Bandhu Mohanty was happy to be close to his friend Lord Jagannath. He and his family happily served Lord Jagannath all their lives.

True belief and devotion can bring divine blessings. Narayan always watches over those who believe in him.

If you want to read more stories about Lord Jagannath, comment below.

Ankita Khade, Content Writer and Digital Marketer — Contact for Writing Services