KAKATPUR, ORISSA, November 4, 2008: In an extreme of devotional zeal, residents of this remote village keep God in chains. Legend has it that the Lord Jagannath Deity walked here three centuries back, disgusted with the local ruler of His previous village. “But fear persists that Jagannath may choose to leave our hamlet. Fearful people here hold the God captive”, said temple priest Satruyghan Dash.
Lord Jagannath is tied with iron chains to the rear of the citadel. The God’s clothing covers the chains, affording a dignified appearance. The temple trustee, priests and locals are unanimous in their determination to keep the Deity in chains, doing whatever it takes to keep their temple running.