Indian Villagers Hail Rare Sea Turtle as God
For hundreds of poor villagers in eastern India a recently discovered rare sea turtle is considered the incarnation of the Hindu deity, Lord Jagannath. There is no telling them otherwise as they have refused, despite serious pressure, to relinquish the turtle to authorities.
According to Indian law, the turtle is a protected species and anyone found keeping one without permission could be fined and jailed for a year or more.
Despite attempts by police to control the situation, the villagers remain steadfast and refuse to comply. Instead, they are flocking to a temple in Kendrapara, a coastal district in the eastern Orissa state where they have gathered to chant hymns, carry garlands and offer bowls of rice and fruit.
“We have asked the villagers to hand it over as it is illegal to confine a turtle, but they are refusing,” says P.K. Behera, a senior government wildlife official.
The villagers claim that the turtle bears holy symbols on its back and is an incarnation of Lord Jagannath, a popular Hindu deity, which is a form of Vishnu.
The name, Jagannath (Lord of the Universe) is a combination of the Sanskrit words Jagat (Universe) and Nath (Lord of).
The oldest and most famous Jagannath temple is in the city of Puri, in Orissa. Hindus from all over India come to worship there and the site is regarded as one of the four most sacred Hindu pilgrimages in the country.
“Lord Jagannath has visited our village in the form of a turtle. We will not allow anybody to take the turtle away,” said Ramesh Mishra, a priest of the temple.
Notwithstanding or questioning the nature or power of belief and certainly with no disrespect intended, can anyone imagine how all this fuss is affecting that poor turtle?
The peace and quiet of being submerged and far from “the maddening crowd,” so to speak, are commodities that must mean a great deal to a poor sea turtle whose only mistake was coming ashore when too many people were nearby.
What do YOU think about this?
By MDeeDubroff on 10-12-2009
Comment by Kim Malone
December 10th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
I think it's a shame that there are people in this world who believe such ridiculous nonsense. When it comes to this situation, the only good thing that could be said is that they aren't killing the animal. I mean, in Chinese medicine turtles are killed which I think it truly disgusting. Turtles are amazing and beautiful creatures who should be left to roam the seas where they belong.
Comment by ChimChim
December 10th, 2009 at 8:17 pm
no pictures of these symbols on its back in the article? man that is some babyback bull!
Comment by Mariko
December 11th, 2009 at 9:29 am
So… if it's a God, then why are they forcing the God to stay in their village? Wouldn't they be fearful that the God maybe doesn't WANT To be in the village anymore?
Comment by Sara
December 11th, 2009 at 10:12 pm
I totally agree. I hope Jagannath punishes them for being cruel to the turtle!
Comment by Sameer Chhibber
December 13th, 2009 at 10:43 pm
Hey god is everywhere in every living being this is what is taught in Hindu religion and others as well, so why confine a poor helpless creature.
Comment by kaze
December 19th, 2009 at 3:23 am
so do you have a religion, (i do) but i think everyone is as much bullcrap as the next. Don't be rude to the beilfs of others but tolerant and polite
Comment by Chris Anderson
February 21st, 2010 at 11:26 pm
Well, it’s just a turtle named “GOD”.
Comment by weewah
March 24th, 2010 at 5:38 am
If you're quoting Hardy, it's 'madding' crowd, not 'maddening' crowd.
I doubt they're torturing the turtle, and it is bringing hope to a lot of people. I imagine that to be very important to villagers who are dealing with very difficult life circumstances.
Comment by Jagannath
April 6th, 2010 at 11:11 am
praise be to the sea turtle
http://www.ipadrepairs.org.uk << please accept this this spam into your heart o Jagannath
Comment by anonymous
July 2nd, 2010 at 9:41 pm
At least they’re not intending to sacrifice it to “release him from his earthly shell”