The Hanuman Who Was Chained to Save Jagannath Puri
What Happened
In the sacred city of Puri, where the mighty waves of the Bay of Bengal continuously crash against the shore, stands a unique temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Here, Hanuman is known not as the fearless warrior of the Ramayana, but as Bedi Hanuman or Dariya Hanuman ("Hanuman of the Sea"). According to a popular legend from the Jagannath tradition, the sea near Puri was once extremely turbulent. Its roaring waves and fierce winds often disturbed the worship of Lord Jagannath in the famous temple. Concerned about the repeated disturbances, Lord Jagannath requested Hanuman to guard the coast and prevent the sea from troubling the devotees. Hanuman gladly accepted the task. Standing at the seashore, he used his immense power to keep the ocean under control. The waves calmed down, and peace returned to Puri. However, there was one problem. Hanuman occasionally left his post to visit Ayodhya or roam freely in devotion to Lord Rama. Whenever he was away, the sea would once again become violent and rush toward the city. Devotees complained to Lord Jagannath that the disturbances always returned when Hanuman disappeared. To ensure he never abandoned his duty again, Lord Jagannath devised a clever solution. He ordered that Hanuman be bound with golden chains at his post near the coast. From then on, Hanuman remained permanently stationed in Puri, protecting the holy city and the Jagannath Temple from the ocean's fury. Because he was "bound" (bedi means chain or fetter), he came to be known as Bedi Hanuman. Even today, thousands of devotees visit the Bedi Hanuman Temple near Puri's seashore. They believe Hanuman continues to stand guard, keeping the sea at bay and protecting Jagannath's abode.
Key Takeaways
The story teaches a beautiful lesson: even the greatest devotee can be entrusted with a sacred responsibility. Hanuman's strength was not merely in his physical power but in his unwavering service. By standing guard over Puri, he demonstrated that protecting others is also a form of devotion.
Sources
Skanda Purana (Utkala Khanda), Jagannath Temple traditions and local Odia folklore