Story of that Muslim devotee, waiting for whom Lord Jagannath’s chariot stopped in the middle of the way, this work is done even today

It is said that in the court of God there is neither high or low nor any walls of religion. There is value only in true faith and devotion. The story of Salbeg, a great devotee of Lord Jagannath, is also similar. It is said that Salbeg, born to a Muslim father and a Hindu mother, became such a devotee of Lord Jagannath that even the chariot of the Lord himself stopped in front of his unwavering devotion. Even today, this story of his devotion surprises millions of people.

According to folk beliefs, when Salabeg could not reach the Rath Yatra on time, Lord Jagannath’s chariot stopped midway. As soon as he reached and saw the Lord, the chariot moved forward. Due to this belief, even today during the Rath Yatra, the chariot of Lord Jagannath stops for some time near the Samadhi of Salabeg.

Who was Salbeg?

Salbeg was born in Odisha in the 17th century. His father Jahangir Quli Khan (Lalbeg) was a Mughal army officer, while his mother belonged to a Hindu Brahmin family. It is said that his mother was a great devotee of Lord Jagannath and used to tell stories of God to Salbeg since childhood.

Which incident changed Salbeg’s life?

Salbeg also joined the army in his youth. He was seriously injured during a war. It is said that his mother asked him to pray to Lord Jagannath. Salbeg remembered the Lord with full faith. It is said that after some time his health started improving. After this incident his life completely changed and he adopted the path of devotion to Lord Jagannath.

more than 100 hymns

After this, Salbeg wrote many devotional songs in Odia language in praise of Lord Jagannath. It is believed that he composed more than 100 hymns. His famous bhajan ‘Ahe Neela Saila’ is still sung with reverence in Odisha. Love, dedication and humility towards God are clearly visible in his songs.

could not enter the temple

According to folk tales, being the son of a Muslim father, Salbeg was not allowed to enter the Jagannath temple. Despite this he never complained. Standing outside the temple, he kept remembering God and expressed his devotion through hymns.

When God’s chariot stopped for the devotee

The most famous story of Salbeg is related to the Rath Yatra. Once due to illness he could not reach Puri on time. On the way, he prayed to Lord Jagannath that he might get darshan once. It is said that at that very moment Lord Jagannath’s chariot stopped midway. Despite millions of efforts the chariot did not move forward. As soon as Salbeg reached there, he bowed his head before the Lord and sang a hymn. Only after this the chariot started moving again.

This tradition is still followed today

After the death of Salbeg, his mausoleum was built on Bada Danda (Grand Road) of Puri. Even today, during the Rath Yatra, the chariot of Lord Jagannath stops for some time near his Samadhi. Only after this the chariot moves forward. Devotees consider it a symbol of the unwavering love of God and devotee.