The Legend of Lord Jagannath’s Journey to Sonepur

In the divine realm of Odisha, where devotion dances in the air, there once arose a dire threat. A demonic king named Raktabahu unleashed terror, desecrating temples and shattering the peace of the pious. His path of destruction led him towards the sacred abode of Lord Jagannath in Puri, instilling fear in the hearts of the devout.

In their desperation, the devotees sought refuge in their beloved deity. With folded hands and trembling voices, they implored, “O Lord Jagannath, protector of our land, the shadow of Raktabahu looms over us. We cannot bear the thought of your divine abode being tarnished. Please shield us and your temple from this impending doom.”

Moved by their fervent pleas, Lord Jagannath, in his infinite compassion, appeared in the dream of the head priest. He assured, “Fear not, for your devotion has touched my heart. No harm shall befall my divine form or my temple. Yet, to honor your devotion and to ensure your safety, I shall embark on a journey.”

He instructed, “Take my form, along with Lord Balaram and Devi Subhadra, and head towards Bengal through the dense forests. This path shall shield you from Raktabahu. Remember, my protection is ever with you.”

With the break of dawn, the priest relayed the divine message, and the devotees sprang into action. The Sabaras, a tribe devoted to Lord Jagannath’s service, were entrusted with the sacred task of carrying the deities. They set forth with reverence, navigating through the wilderness, their faith unwavering.

For eleven days, they journeyed, worshiping the Lord amidst nature’s bounty, and each night, they rested under the stars, with the deities safely by their side. On the twelfth day, they reached the serene town of Sonepur, the district headquarters of Subarnapur district, Odisha.

That night, in a vision, Lord Jagannath reaffirmed the divine plan to the leader of the Sabaras. He revealed that this tranquil place was where the deities would temporarily reside. The Sabaras, deeply moved by the Lord’s revelation, dedicated themselves to safeguarding the sacred images in this new sanctuary.

For generations, the Sabaras devoted themselves to the worship of Lord Jagannath at Sonepur-Gopali, ensuring the deities were venerated during the tumultuous times of invasion. This period of custodianship lasted until King Yayati Keshari of the Somavamsi dynasty rediscovered the buried images after 144 years.

King Yayati Keshari, recognizing the importance of restoring the deities to their rightful place, commissioned new images and built a temple at Puri, where he re-enshrined the idols. This marked a significant chapter in the history of Lord Jagannath’s worship, showcasing the resilience and enduring faith of the Odia people.

Though the deities were physically absent from their original abode for a time, the spirit of Lord Jagannath’s presence was fervently maintained by the devotees. His return to Shrikshetra (Puri) between 814 A.D. and 819 A.D. was celebrated as a monumental event, symbolizing both a spiritual homecoming and a restoration of divine order.

The legacy of Lord Jagannath’s temporary guardianship in Sonepur and his eventual return to Puri remains a powerful testament to the devotion of the Sabara Vaisnavas and the enduring promise of the Lord to protect and bless his followers.

_{Certain aspects of this folktale were contributed by Rajesh Joshi.}