DIBYASINGHA DEBA
GAJAPATI MAHARAJ
Another name of Odisha is Jagannath Dham, a pilgrimage site for devotees from across the world. As per the Hindu mythology, Utkal (now Odisha) was under the direct control of the Divine Lord Vishnu or Jagannath. The ruler of Puri, the Gajapati, maintains till date the legacy of holding a most prominent position in connection to lord Jagannath, in the form of his chief servitor. The spiritual King still performs the traditional duties and rituals of the temple with royal elegance. He ascended the throne as the head of the Bhoi dynasty, at the age of 17, 1970 and since then has been the chief servitor of lord Jagannath.
He is Gajapati Maharaj Shri Dibyasingha Deva, originally named Kamarnaba Deva, the eldest son of King Birakishor Deb and Queen Suryamani Pata Mahadei. On the sudden demise of his father during a Rath Yatra festival, the mighty throne and its responsibilities fell entirely on him.
Shri Dibyasingha Deva had led an ordinary student life, studying in a convent, then at Raj Kumar College in Raipur. He also did his history Honours and studied law from the Delhi University, but nothing took over his duties towards lord Jagannath, performed with utmost sincerity. He also serves as the Chairman of Sri Jagannath Temple Managing committee. He comes to Puri during festivals and religious occasions like Ratha Jatra, Bahuda Jatra, Pusyabhiseka, Snana Jatra and many other important socio-religious and cultural events. He says, “Everything else is secondary, serving the lord is primary”.
His encounter with two spiritual gurus namely Swami Chidananda Saraswati Maharaj and Chinmayananda Saraswati Maharaj introduced him to the world of meditation, yoga and pranayama. This is how he realized his mission of life in this mortal world.
VARINDIA humbly recognises this legacy holder of Odisha as a magnificent jewel on its crown.