Deaths fail to discourage Chamunda Devi devotees

JODHPUR: Despite the many deaths at the altar of the goddess Chamunda temple, people’s faith in the deity hasn’t shaken one bit.

The reason for their deep-rooted belief is the many legends surrounding the goddess.
One instance that is etched in the subconscious of Jodhpurites is from the 1971 war with Pakistan. Jodhpur was the only place on the border that escaped unhurt despite continuous aerial bombing by the Pakistan army.

“Almost all bombs dropped by the Pakistan air force in Jodhpur missed targets. Not a single bomb hit the city. One unexploded bomb was found near a coal depot after the war,” Pundit Vijay Dutt Harsh, who organised a mass ritual at the temple after Tuesday’s stampede, said.

This episode deepened the common man’s faith in the goddess and people started thronging the temple during Navratri.

As the temple is situated at a height, eagles have made it their home. It is believed that feeding these eagles helps cure the ailing.

“Whenever a family member has high fever, we come here and feed the eagles, besides taking medication. It may seem illogical, but it works,” Harsh said.