There are Ashta Mahaviras (eight manifestations of Lord Hanuman) engaged in protecting Puri Dham in Odisha. They are Siddha Mahavira, Daria Mahavira or Bedi Mahavira, Kanapata Mahavira, Vargi Mahavira, Masani Mahavira, Pancha Mukhi Mahavira, Phate Mahavira.

Out of the Ashta Mahaviras, there is one form that is unique to Puri Kshetra – The Bedi Hanuman or the Bound Hanuman.

In the Jagannath Temple of Puri, there is a unique tradition where Lord Hanuman, also known as Bedi Hanuman (Bound Hanuman), is depicted with chains or ropes around his arms and legs. This has an interesting legend behind it.

The Story Behind Bedi Hanuman in Puri

According to local legends, Hanuman Ji was appointed as the guardian deity of the Jagannath Temple to protect it from external threats, including attacks from the sea. However, Hanuman Ji, being extremely devoted to Lord Ram, was often drawn towards Ayodhya, neglecting his duties at Puri. And as his love for Lord Ram knows no bounds, Hanuman Ji would immediately fly off to Ayodhya without informing anyone!

As a result, the sea waves started moving closer to the temple, threatening to submerge it.

To prevent this from happening, Lord Jagannath himself had to intervene. Seeing Hanuman’s frequent departures, Lord Jagannath made an enquiry on why Hanuman Ji was making frequent visits to Ayodhya. It was found that apart from the devotion to Lord Rama, Hanuman Ji was also fond of the elaborate Mahaprasad at Ayodhya. So, it was decided to bind him with iron chains (bedi means chains) to keep him stationed at Puri permanently and give him Mahaprasad daily. Since then, he has been worshipped as Bedi Hanuman, and devotees believe that he continues to protect the temple and Puri from any harm, especially from the sea.

The temple is located near Chakratirtha Road in Puri, very close to the sea. Devotees visit to offer prayers and seek his blessings for protection and fulfillment. It is also believed that those who pray here with devotion are blessed with unwavering focus and stability in their lives.

In this region, Lord Hanuman is also known as Dariya Mahavir. ‘Dariya’ means sea, and this name stems from Lord Hanuman's role in protecting the Jagannath Temple from the waves of the ocean which is kind of a metaphor in today's yuga where the struggles are like waves and Lord Hanuman can see us through all difficulties with ease.

II Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah II

Grandson, Husband and Father of Two, S Jaganathan - is the Founder of The Verandah Club. Convenor INTACH Coimbatore Chapter. He is an avid traveller, interested in trendspotting and a firm believer in the philosophy - Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah.