Unique Worship of Dogs in Uttar Pradesh: A Fascinating Tale

The Unusual Belief in Dog Worship

In various parts of the world, people from different ethnicities and religions coexist, each with their own deities. In India, even natural elements like the sun and trees are revered as gods.

Today, we bring you an intriguing story from Uttar Pradesh that might surprise you. In the village of Chipiyana Bujurg, located in Greater Noida West, a statue of a dog has become a focal point of faith for many. It is believed that bathing in a pond near the temple after being bitten by a dog can alleviate the effects of the bite. The temple has gained such significance that devotees travel from afar to worship the dog statue and offer prasad. Interestingly, a local named Lakha Banjare buried his deceased dog there, leading the villagers to construct a temple over the dog's grave, which is now regarded as a deity.

The Enigmatic Pond

The story surrounding the dog's grave near the Bhairav temple in Chipiyana is quite astonishing. A pond has been created next to the dog's shrine, where it is said that bathing can eliminate the effects of a dog bite. Every Saturday, a large number of devotees gather here. The belief persists that bathing in the pond after a dog bite can reduce the risk of rabies. Additionally, there is a kund (a small water tank) outside the temple for those who prefer not to bathe in the pond.

The Story Behind the Worship

The villagers do not merely worship the dog; there is a captivating backstory. According to local lore, around 150 years ago, a nomad named Lakha built a tomb for his dog. The tale goes that Lakha had borrowed money from a merchant and, unable to repay it on time, had to pledge his dog as collateral. One day, a theft occurred at the merchant's home, and the dog neither barked at the intruders nor alerted its owner. When the merchant discovered the theft the next morning, he was furious with the dog. However, the dog later led Lakha to the hidden stolen goods, much to the merchant's delight. Grateful, the merchant freed the dog and returned it to Lakha. But in a fit of rage, Lakha shot the dog, only to regret it deeply upon learning the truth. As a symbol of his remorse, he constructed a shrine for the dog at the Bhairav Baba temple.