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Time of India
a day ago
- General
- Time of India
Why a muslim devotee is remembered in Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra
Why a muslim devotee is remembered in Lord Jagannath's Rath Yatra The Rath Yatra is—vibrant and spiritual celebration observed across South Asia, especially in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Rooted in ancient Hindu traditions, the festival involves the grand public procession of deities on massive, beautifully decorated chariots. The festival usually begins on the second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha (Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya) and concludes on the tenth day (Ashadha Shukla Dashami). Rath Yatra is tied to various folk stories and myths. There is one such story that still inspires the devotees of Lord Jagannath: the tale of Subalega, a Muslim devotee whose devotion and faith have a profound impact on the Rath Yatra. He is one of Odisha's most revered devotional poets and holds a unique and timeless place in the hearts of Lord Jagannath's followers. Born around 1607–1608 AD, his life's story is not only one of faith but also of transformation, resilience, and spiritual awakening that transcended religious boundaries. Sablega's introduction to Lord Jagannath According to the Odisha Review (October 2015) , Sablega was the only son of a Mughal Subedar who forcibly married a widowed Brahmin woman, and Salabega was born from this union. He was raised in a Muslim household under his father's influence and later joined his father's military expeditions at a young age. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 60년 묵은 혈관 찌꺼기 ,,, "이것.' 하나면 다른건 하지 않아도 됩니다! 면역력 Rg3의 비결 더 알아보기 Undo However, things took a drastic turn when Salabega was severely wounded in battle. As he lay on the brink of death, his mother, still connected to her Hindu roots, urged him to chant the name of Lord Krishna. He obeyed, and he recovered. This life-changing experience began his curiosity and quest for gratitude and spiritual curiosity. In order to understand the divine power that had saved him, Salabega began exploring Hinduism through his mother; he came to know that Lord Jagannath of Puri is considered an incarnation of Lord Krishna. Bhakti without barriers: Salabega's timeless devotion to Lord Jagannath After learning the whereabouts of Lord Jagannath and the festival Rath Yatra, Sablega decided to set foot in Vrindavana, where he lived the life of an ascetic in the association of Sadhus reciting bhajans in honour of Lord Sri Krishna. He returned to Puri, desiring to see the Ratha Yatra festival of Lord Jagannath, but on the way, he suddenly fell ill. He offered prayers to Lord Jagannath, petitioning Him to wait until he arrived. On the day of the Return Car festival, Nandighosa, the car of Lord Jagannath, did not move until Salabega's arrival. The place where the car remained stationary to give darshan to Salabega, who was later used by Salabega for composing his many bhajans in honour of Lord Jagannath. His body was cremated there after his death. standing on the Grand Road in Puri near Balagandi. In honour of him, every year during the car festival, the car of Lord Jagannath stays for a while near his Samadhi. The Bhakti by Sablega defines faith and spirituality beyond religion. He expressed his devotion for Lord Jagannath by pouring his soul into heartfelt bhajans (devotional songs) that remain timeless. With each verse, Salabega expressed an unshakable love, longing, and surrender to the Lord—feelings so genuine that his compositions continue to resonate with devotees even today. His songs are still sung in the streets and temples of Puri and across Odisha, especially during Rath Yatra, filling the air with echoes of divine love. Read more | Why did Akbar quit Islam and start his own faith, 'Din-i-llahi'?
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Russia to remember Biju on 80th anniv of Victory Day
Bhubaneswar: The Russian Embassy in New Delhi has decided to honour former Odisha chief minister Biju Patnaik on Victory Day , celebrated on May 9 every year to commemorate the Soviet Union's triumph over Nazi Germany during World War II. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This year marks the 80th anniversary of Victory Day . Russian Ambassador to India, Denis Alipov, has extended an invitation to Biju's son and BJD president, , to attend the event, to be held in New Delhi on Friday. External affairs minister S Jaishankar will be the chief guest. "In this solemn moment of pride, grief, and unwavering remembrance, we honour those who stood together against Nazism in the anti-Hitler coalition and commemorate the heroic deeds of the people of the former Soviet Union and its allies who bore the brunt of the most brutal conflict in human history. Among the heroes to whom we pay tribute is your late father," wrote Alipov in a letter to Naveen. The letter described Biju as a 'towering personality and a valiant pilot' who participated in the Stalingrad Operation, supplying weapons to the besieged Red Army. In recognition of his contribution, Russia had awarded him the Jubilee Medal in 1995, on the 50th anniversary of Victory Day, for his bravery and courage. Biju died two years later. According to an article published in Odisha Review, Biju had flown dozens of sorties over the Himalayas to China, carried British families from Burma to London, as well as directed military help to Russia against Nazi Germany, earning pride and glory for himself and receiving gallantry awards during the Golden Jubilee of the USSR.
