The sacred bond between the divine and devotees is beyond logical explanations.
There are several mythological and historical instances that narrate the tale of the divinity walking into the humble abode of ordinary devotees to express gratitude. Even the devotes undergo similar experience during their interaction with the almighty. This enduring connection is the stepping stone of belief.
In this materialistic world, finding a devotee pulling off impossibility to meet the Lord of the Universe is a rarity.
However, a man from Rajasthan has set out on such a journey to prove the impossible, possible in his much desired meeting with Lord Jagannath at Puri.
Ramhans Das Mina, a 70-year-old man from Khandeep in Gangapur of Rajasthan, set out on his journey to Puri on April 29, 2021 by foot. He is continuing his journey since the past 9 months and 13 days.
Throughout this 9 month journey, Mina has been walking barefoot while paying obeisance to the Lord by often lying flat on the ground. Moreover, he has set out on this difficult journey aiming at the welfare of the entire world, and not to fulfil any self desire.
"I have adopted this task with devotion for the Almighty. This is a form of worshipping with an aim to seek the wellbeing of the world. I have no personal desires," said Mina.
A close relative of the devotee, Rakesh Mina, said, "He decided to accept this challenge out of devotion. With an aim of public welfare, he is falling flat on the ground to pay respectful obeisance which is called Dandavat."
This is not the first time Mina is visiting the Srimandir. Earlier in 2019, he set out on a foot from Rajasthan to Puri. He had then completed his journey in two months.
While devotees of Lord Jagannath come to Srikshetra on different modes of transport, this elderly man walking all his way from Rajasthan certainly speaks of his connection with the Lord of the Universe.