The Role of Pandas from Puri
Pandas from Puri visit various parts of India, acting as intermediaries between Lord Jagannath and the people who cannot visit Puri. They bring prasad to the devotees and take their offerings back to Lord Jagannath. This practice has been in place for centuries.
The Trip to Rajputana
A few hundred years ago, a panda traveled to Rajputana (present-day Rajasthan). The king of a small state in Rajputana was a Vishnu devotee, and the panda decided to spend the rainy season in the palace. The king had a daughter named Vishnupriya, who was a devout worshiper of Vishnu. Vishnupriya took special care of the panda, ensuring he was well-fed and looked after.
Vishnupriya’s Offering
As the panda prepared to leave, Vishnupriya gave him 10 gold coins as a token of respect and a letter on a bhuja patra for Lord Jagannath. The panda, expecting more lavish offerings, was disappointed and decided to discard the letter into a heap of garbage upon returning to his village.
The Lord’s Displeasure
That night, Jagannath appeared in the panda’s dream, expressing displeasure at the disrespect shown to Vishnupriya’s offering. The Lord instructed the panda to retrieve the letter, take it to a jeweler with the 10 gold coins, and have it cast in gold. Jagannath emphasized the importance of delivering the golden letter to Him at the earliest opportunity.
The Revelation
Despite his initial reluctance, the panda obeyed Jagannath’s command. He realized the significance of the letter when he saw it written in golden letters in the dark sky. The letter contained a heartfelt offering from Vishnupriya:
“RatnAkara Staba Griham GrihiNi cha PadmA Deyam kimapi bhavate PurushottamAya Avira bAma nayanA hrita mAnasAya Duttam mano Yadupate tadidam grihANa”
Translation: “The abode of jewels is Your home and Mother Laxmi is Your wife. Please tell me what I have that You do not have that I must offer You. In the past, You have stolen the minds of the Gopis. Oh, the Lord of the Yadus, all I have is my mind that I am offering to You, and please accept it.”
Lessons to Be Learned
- Simplicity in Devotion: True devotion does not rely on material offerings. The purity of intention and heartfelt devotion are what matter most to the Lord.
- Respect for Offerings: Every offering, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, should be respected and treated with reverence if given with sincere devotion.
- The Lord’s Reciprocation: Lord Jagannath reciprocates the love and devotion of His devotees, showing that sincere devotion always reaches the Lord.
- The Inner Temple: The story underscores that the true temple of the Lord is in the hearts of His devotees. Worship is in the feelings, and the offering is the submission before Him.
Relevant Quotes
Prayer
Prayer of Devotion “O Lord Jagannath, the Supreme Lord of the universe, I offer my heartfelt devotion to You. My offerings may be small and simple, but they come from the depth of my heart. Please accept my love and devotion as my true offering. Guide me to serve You with sincerity and humility. May my heart always remain Your eternal temple. Jai Jagannath!”
Conclusion
This narrative beautifully illustrates the essence of true devotion and the deep, personal relationship between the Lord and His devotees. It teaches that the Lord values the purity of devotion over material offerings and that sincere love and dedication are always reciprocated by the Lord. This story encourages devotees to focus on inner devotion and surrender to the Supreme Lord, who resides in the heart of His faithful followers.
