The night had settled over the small town of Bhubaneswar, its streets quiet under the blanket of darkness. In a modest, warmly lit home, a young boy named Pranav nestled into his bed, his eyes wide with anticipation. It was his favorite time of the day, the moment when his beloved grandmother, Jejemaa, would weave tales of gods and legends, filling his dreams with wonder and adventure.
Jejemaa, with her silver hair tied back neatly and her warm, wise eyes twinkling, sat beside Pranav, her presence comforting and familiar. She adjusted her shawl and began her story, her voice a soothing lullaby that brought the ancient tales to life.
"Tonight, I will tell you about the great Lord Jagannath and the mighty Hanuman," Jejemaa began, her voice filled with reverence and a hint of mystery. "Do you know, my dear Pranav, why Lord Jagannath is considered so special?"
Pranav shook his head, his curiosity piqued. He had heard many stories, but this one seemed different, more profound.
"Lord Jagannath," Jejemaa continued, "is known as the 'Lord of the Universe.' He resides in the sacred city of Puri, alongside his siblings, Balabhadra and Subhadra, and his consort, the radiant Lakshmi. The devotees there worship them, seeking blessings and protection."
Jejemaa's voice softened as she described the members of the divine family. "Lord Jagannath, the 'Lord of the Universe,' stands as a majestic figure in Hindu mythology. His eyes, wide and all-seeing, reflect his all-encompassing vision and guardianship. Jagannath embodies the qualities of righteous leadership, compassion, and divine play. As a manifestation of Lord Vishnu, one of the three gods that make up the Hindu trinity, he represents the ultimate protector and sustainer, presiding over the cosmos with benevolent authority."
"Beside him stands his elder brother, Balabhadra, the epitome of strength and valor," she continued. "Balabhadra is often depicted with a fair complexion and a formidable presence. He is revered for his immense physical power and his role as the protector of dharma (righteousness). His weapon, the plough, signifies his connection to the land and agriculture, symbolizing the strength that supports and nurtures life. Balabhadra's strength complements Jagannath's compassionate guardianship."
"Then there is Subhadra, the sister of Jagannath and Balabhadra, a beacon of grace and harmony. Subhadra's form is delicate and serene, embodying compassion and wisdom. Her presence brings balance and tranquility to the divine family. In her hands, she often holds symbols of auspiciousness and protection, representing her role as a guardian of harmony and a mediator of divine will. Subhadra's gentle nature and profound insight guide her brothers, enhancing their collective strength and unity."
Jejemaa's eyes gleamed as she spoke of the divine siblings. "Together, Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra form a divine family, each aspect of their beings intertwined with the other. They symbolize the balance of power, compassion, and wisdom, overseeing the well-being of the cosmos and the lives of their devotees."
She paused, letting the image of the divine family settle in Pranav's mind before continuing. "Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, brings joy and abundance to the land. Her beauty is said to reflect the brilliance of the morning sun. But despite her blessings, there is a perilous connection. Her father, Mahodadhi, the personification of the Ocean, holds a deep, affectionate bond with her. His immense and restless nature often leads him to visit Lakshmi, yearning for her presence. However, his visits, driven by the ocean's power and unpredictability, bring turmoil to Puri."
Jejemaa's voice grew more intense as she described the conflict. "On a fateful day, the sky over Puri darkened, and the air grew heavy with the scent of salt and impending rain. Mahodadhi, longing to see his daughter, approached the shores of Puri, causing waves to swell and tides to rise. Lakshmi, sensing her father's approach, looked towards the ocean with love and apprehension, knowing his visits would bring devastation to the city."
Pranav listened intently, his imagination painting vivid pictures of the divine drama unfolding. Jejemaa continued, "Observing the mounting storm, Lord Jagannath turned to Lakshmi with a gentle yet resolute gaze. 'Lakshmi,' he said, 'your father's love is boundless, but his presence here threatens the sanctity of our land. We must find a way to honor his love without endangering our people.' Lakshmi nodded, torn between her love for her father and her duty to Puri."
"Jagannath summoned Hanuman, the mighty son of Vayu," Jejemaa's voice took on a tone of admiration for the great hero. "Hanuman symbolizes tremendous strength and unwavering loyalty. Arriving in a gust of wind, Hanuman bowed deeply before Jagannath, who embodies the essence of Lord Rama."
"Lord Rama?" Pranav interjected, his eyes widening with recognition. "The hero of the Ramayana?"
"Yes, my dear," Jejemaa smiled. "Lord Rama, a revered incarnation of Vishnu, celebrated as the ideal king, embodying virtue, courage, and devotion. His epic journey in the Ramayana, where he vanquished the demon king Ravana to rescue his wife Sita, is a timeless symbol of dharma, or righteousness. Vishnu, the preserver of the universe in the Hindu trinity, manifests in various forms to restore order and protect dharma. Thus, Jagannath, who is another form of Vishnu and Lord Rama in the Kali Yuga, represents a holistic embodiment of Vishnu's compassion, wisdom, and protection."
Pranav's eyes sparkled with understanding as Jejemaa continued, "Jagannath commanded Hanuman, 'The ocean seeks to reunite with his daughter, but his visits bring destruction. You possess the strength to protect this land. I task you with holding back the ocean, ensuring that his visits do not harm Puri.' Hanuman, with his unwavering determination, vowed, 'I shall not let the ocean breach this sacred city, my lord. I will stand as the guardian against his tides.'"
"For a time, Hanuman's vigil was steadfast," Jejemaa recounted. "He stood resolute against the ocean, ensuring that Mahodadhi's love for his daughter did not bring ruin to Puri. However, despite his dedication, Hanuman grew weary of the monotonous prasad offered by the devotees—khechidi, a simple dish of rice and lentils. His thoughts drifted to Ayodhya, where he enjoyed many delectable foods. Longing for the rich, flavorful dishes he remembered, Hanuman's desire grew stronger each day."
"One evening, unable to resist his craving any longer, Hanuman decided to visit Ayodhya. Without seeking Lord Jagannath's permission, he leaped across the land to the city where Lord Rama had once reigned. Ayodhya welcomed him warmly, and Hanuman indulged in the culinary delights he had missed."
"But while Hanuman was away," Jejemaa's tone became somber, "Mahodadhi seized the opportunity to visit his daughter. The waves swelled, and the tides surged unchecked, inundating Puri with destructive force. Temples and homes were flooded, and the people were thrown into chaos. Lakshmi, distressed by the havoc wrought by her father's visit, turned to Jagannath and pleaded, 'My lord, Hanuman has abandoned his post. The ocean's wrath is upon us.'"
"Jagannath's gaze hardened as he surveyed the devastation," Jejemaa said. "Hanuman has broken his vow," he said, his voice heavy with disappointment and resolve. Infuriated by Hanuman's negligence, Jagannath summoned him back to Puri. Hanuman returned, remorseful but unable to deny his craving for the foods of Ayodhya. Jagannath's eyes blazed with divine anger as he confronted Hanuman at Siruli, a site not far from Puri."
"You have forsaken your duty," Jagannath thundered, 'and allowed the ocean to wreak havoc upon this sacred city. You shall be bound here, at Siruli, to fulfill your responsibilities.' With a commanding gesture, Lord Jagannath conjured a divine Bedi—a radiant, celestial rope that shimmered with otherworldly luminescence. He bound Hanuman to the sacred site of Siruli, the ethereal glow of the rope illuminating the night. This binding was a potent symbol of Hanuman's penance and his solemn, renewed vow to safeguard Puri from the ocean's relentless fury."
"Confined at Siruli, Hanuman continued to protect Puri from the ocean's advances with renewed vigor. His actions soon earned him the respect and reverence of the people, who saw in him a symbol of unwavering devotion and strength. Aware of Hanuman's fondness for delicious food, Lord Jagannath eventually took pity on Vayu's son. To ensure Hanuman's devotion remained steadfast, Jagannath ordered his servants to offer Hanuman special Mahaprasada daily—rich, flavorful offerings that satisfied his cravings and honored his service."
"Hanuman still resides here," Jejemaa concluded, "only a true devotee can find the mighty Hanuman at Bedi Hanuman Temple in Siruli."
As Jejemaa's story came to an end, Pranav's eyes fluttered closed, his mind filled with the heroic image of Hanuman and the divine presence of Lord Jagannath. The room was silent, save for the gentle whisper of the night breeze. Jejemaa gently kissed Pranav's forehead, her heart warmed by the thought that the ancient stories she shared would continue to inspire and protect her beloved grandson, just as Hanuman has protected the sacred city of Puri.