Explore the history of Nandi Bari in Medinipur, its heritage, family legacy, and cultural importance rooted in generations.
Medinipur Jagannath Temple’s First Masi Bari & The Historic Fair of Nandi Bari
Context of the First Aunt’s House (Masi Bari) of Lord Jagannath Temple, Medinipur
Lost Heritage of Nandi Bari
Influenced by the Krishna-prema (divine love of Lord Krishna) of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the then members of the Nandi family established the sacred idols of Sri Sri Radha Madhav and Sri Sri Radharani. After this establishment, they devoted their mind and life completely to the service of the divine lotus feet of Lord Madhav.
Although the entire year was filled with numerous festivals (Baro Maase Tero Parbon), somewhere there remained a sense of incompleteness. It is believed that the Lord desired to travel across the town (Nagar Parikrama) to give darshan in His own divine form and spread joy among His devotees.
According to the Lord’s wish, a grand multi-layered wooden chariot (Rath) was constructed. This Rath was beautifully decorated with seven large kalash, silver chariot wheels, royal umbrellas (chhatra), and many other sacred ornaments.Seated on the Rath, the Lord Himself guided its movement according to His will. When He wished, the chariot would move; when He did not, it would stop completely. No one had the power to move it even an inch.By offering Hari Loot and performing Kirtan, devotees would please the Lord. Once He was satisfied, the Rath would again begin moving naturally. At that time, it became so light that even a small child could pull it easily.
In this way, the Lord would travel across the entire town. Such was this divine Rath, which was extremely dear to the family deity of Nandi Bari, Sri Sri Radha Madhav.
For nearly eleven years, Nandi Bari served as the Masi Bari (Gundicha Temple) of Lord Jagannath of the Jagannath Temple of Medinipur. This place is presently located near the Mini Market area.
At that time, a grand fair was also held at Nandi Math, which extended from the present New Market area to the Mini Market. Many people may know this history, while many may not. This is just a humble effort to share the history of this house and its Rath.
|| Hari Om ||
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