DARIA MAHAVIR (BEDI HANUMAN)

A small sea side temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is situated west of Chakranarayan temple in Puri. The temple is known as Daria Mahavir Temple. In local language 'Daria' means 'Sea' and Mahavir is another name of Lord Hanuman. The temple is located on the left side of the Chakratirtha road leading from Subash Bose Chowk to Penthakata. From the architectural point of view the temple is not so important but from the religious point of view, it occupies an important position in the cultural history of Puri. The exact geographical location of the temple is LONGITUDE 85⁰50'67''E and LATITUDE 19⁰48'03''N. The temple is facing towards east. The presiding deity is a two-armed Hanuman, holding a ladu (sweet) in left hand a gada (mace) in his right hand. The outer walls of the temple housed images of different Deities. The image of Anjana, holding a baby in her lap, is carved on the western side wall. There is a female divinities over a decorated pedestal on the northern side wall. The image of Lord Ganesha is carved on the southern side wall. The temple is also known as 'Bedi Hanuman' Temple. The temple has an interesting legend behind the name Bedi Hanuman.

Legends

It is believed that Daria Mahavir protects Sankha kshetra Puri against the fury of the sea. It is Daria Mahavir's duty to see that the sea does not cross its limits and enter the peripheral boundaries of Puri. But when the Jagannath Temple was built, Varuna, the God of the Sea, able to came to the Jagannath temple to pay his respects. In the meantime sea water entered the city, causing considerable damage to the temple. The devotees prayed to Lord Jagannath who asked Hanuman to explain how the sea entered the city in his presence. Lord Hanuman told that he was not present at that time and was left for Ayodhya without informing him. On hearing about Lord Hanuman's unscheduled visit to Ayodhya, Lord Jagannath got his hands and feet tied with rope (bedi) and asked him to be vigilant on the sea shore day and night. Since his hands and feet tied with rope (bedi), he is known as 'Bedi Hanuman' or 'Chained Hanuman'. There is a popular belief that since then, the sea has not entered into the city.

Festivals and Rituals

Famous rituals like Pana sankranti, Hanuman Jayanti, Rama Navami etc are observed in this temple.

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