The Jagannath Temple Poltergeist

In 1987, the Jagannath Temple in Puri, one of the holiest sites in Hinduism, experienced poltergeist activity. Objects moved, fires broke out, and temple servants reported strange occurrences.

The Temple

The Jagannath Temple is home to the famous wooden images of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. Millions of pilgrims visit annually. Strange phenomena at such a site attracted enormous attention.

The Phenomena

Temple items moved on their own. Fires started in areas where none should occur. Strange sounds were heard at night. The serving priests were frightened and performed purification rituals.

The Response

Temple authorities conducted special ceremonies to appease whatever forces might be disturbed. Some attributed the activity to spiritual causes; others suggested natural explanations.

The Resolution

The phenomena subsided after intensive ritual attention. Whether the ceremonies were effective or the activity simply ran its course is unknown.

Assessment

Poltergeist activity at a major Hindu temple demonstrates that such phenomena occur across all religious contexts. The spiritual interpretation of the activity was culturally specific, but the phenomena matched global patterns.