Lord Jagannath

I am Hindu by birth,

and not religious.

My readers might come

from other religions,

but it does not hurt

to know each other’s epics.

It is a sign of acceptance

and kindness, after all.

So let me tell you

the story behind this art.

Long ago,

the ruler of a kingdom,

in east of India,

saw a dream.

God was saying,

a driftwood log

lay on the shore.

“Bring the log, carve an idol,

worship it with devotion,

your wishes will be fulfilled.”

The hired sculptor demanded

to work in a closed room,

nobody would see him work.

One day, the hammering stopped.

The curious queen opened the door.

The sculptor had vanished,

the idol was ready,

except for the missing limbs.

It was worshipped in Puri Temple,

and idol went by the name

Lord Jagannath.

Thank you for reading.