Bhubaneswar: Love and devotion for Lord Jagannath, his siblings Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra reverberates in the heart and mind of millions worldwide. The devotees, of Lord Jagannath (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) to be specific, are in millions, at home in Odisha, across India, and beyond borders.
For two friends from Russia and one from Ukraine, Lord Krishna resides in their soul. In the Krishna temple back home, they spotted the idol of Lord Jagannath and have been in awe of the Lord of the Universe since then. While one of them has been a regular to Puri on Rath Yatra since the last three years, the other two have come here for the first time.
Soaked in devotion for the Lord, donning sarees and wearing sandalwood paste, kumkum and Vibhuti on the forehead these foreigners are no different from their Indian counterparts. Languages, cultures and skin colour might vary, but when it comes to the Bhakti for the Lord, all devotees become beads of the same necklace, the devotees said.
A group of Colombian friends are experts when it comes to Odissi. They are here in Puri to perform in the glory of Lord Jagannath. “We love the Indian Bhakti culture. We are devoted to Lord Krisha and his Leela,” they said.
“We are here for the Darshan of Lord Jagannath, because he is the most merciful. We cannot enter inside the temple, so this is our day – the Rath Yatra, when our Lord will come outside the Srimandir,” said Ambika from Colombia. She now stays permanently at Vrindavan for the last 10 years.
The pilgrim town Puri has come alive with devotees from all over the world, who have been eagerly awaiting the chance to witness Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra embark on their chariots.
“The splendid procession, with massive chariots, pulled through the streets, creates an enchanting atmosphere filled with religious fervor and joy,” the devotees from outside India further said.
