The Tale of Bedi Hanuman: Why Mahaprabhu Jagannath Ji Bound Hanumanji in Chains at Puri Dham

An awe-inspiring legend of devotion, divine leela, and eternal service that unites Hanumanji and Mahaprabhu Jagannath on the sacred shores of Puri.

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Introduction: Where Devotion Meets Destiny

In the divine land of Jagannath Puri Dham, where the winds whisper Vedic hymns and the sea echoes the glories of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, there lies a deeply moving tale—of Hanumanji, the eternal sevak of Lord Rama, and how he came to be lovingly bound in golden chains at the Bedi Hanuman Temple.

This is not a tale of restraint but one of divine affection—a sacred binding that symbolizes Hanumanji’s unwavering devotion and Mahaprabhu Jagannath’s merciful embrace.

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The Arrival of Hanumanji at Puri

Though Treta Yuga had passed and Lord Rama’s earthly pastimes had concluded, Hanumanji, the immortal vanara warrior, roamed the world in eternal service to dharma. When Lord Krishna manifested as Jagannath Ji in Kali Yuga at Puri, Hanumanji was drawn to the divine form of his Rama.

The moment he beheld the wide, divine eyes of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Hanumanji’s soul recognized the Supreme he had served in Ayodhya. Overcome with emotion, he offered pranams, chanting “Jai Jagannath! Jai Shri Ram!” The sea roared, the earth rejoiced, and Hanumanji was appointed as the guardian of Puri Dham.

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The Devoted Guardian—and His Pull to Ayodhya

Hanumanji stood watch at the ocean’s edge, guarding the sacred city. Yet, his boundless love for Lord Rama often pulled him back to Ayodhya. During his brief absences, the ocean grew violent, the skies turned dark, and the balance of Puri seemed disturbed.

But each time he returned, the waters calmed, and peace was restored. It became clear that Hanumanji’s presence was essential to maintaining divine order at Puri.

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Mahaprabhu’s Loving Leela

One night, as Hanumanji visited Ayodhya again, a fierce storm erupted in Puri. The ocean surged, threatening to engulf the sacred temple. Devotees cried out for protection, and Mahaprabhu Jagannath summoned Hanumanji instantly with divine will.

Ashamed for leaving his post, Hanumanji rushed back. The sea calmed instantly. Mahaprabhu Jagannath, in a vision, spoke to Hanumanji with compassion:

“O Hanuman, your love for Rama is divine. But your duty to Puri must never waver. To ensure your constant presence, I shall now bind you—not with punishment, but with love.”

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The Chains of Bhakti

With divine grace, Jagannath Ji manifested golden chains and gently placed them on Hanumanji’s wrists. These sacred bonds symbolized love, not restraint.

Hanumanji bowed with tears in his eyes and said,
“Your chains are my freedom. To be bound by Your love is the highest honor.”

From that moment, Hanumanji became Bedi Hanuman—the Shackled Hanuman—stationed eternally at the western shores of Puri, watching over the holy dham.

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Bedi Hanuman Temple: A Living Legacy

The Bedi Hanuman Temple near the Jagannath Temple commemorates this sacred event. Devotees visit this temple to seek blessings, strength, and steadfast devotion.

During the grand Rath Yatra, Hanumanji’s spiritual presence is said to accompany the divine chariots of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra, radiating protection and bhakti.

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Lessons from Bedi Hanuman

This tale teaches us:

• True freedom lies in surrender.
• Even the strongest devotee needs divine anchoring.
• Love and duty must walk hand in hand on the spiritual path.

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Plan Your Visit to Bedi Hanuman Temple

If you’re visiting Jagannath Puri Dham for Ratha Yatra 2025, make time for a darshan at Bedi Hanuman Temple. Offer a ghee lamp, chant Hanuman Chalisa, and reflect on the chains—not as confinement, but as eternal service.

Let this story remind you: to be bound in love is the greatest liberation.

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Jai Jagannath! Jai Bedi Hanuman!