Eagle Carries Off Flag-Like Cloth from Jagannath Temple, Sparks Frenzy Online
Puri, Odisha — April 15, 2025
An unusual incident near the iconic Jagannath Temple in Puri has stirred intrigue, awe, and a flurry of speculation across social media. On Saturday evening around 5 PM, during a sudden Nor’wester storm, an eagle was seen carrying away what resembled one of the sacred flags from atop the Srimandir. The moment, caught on camera by a local devotee, has since gone viral, captivating thousands across India and beyond.
In the widely circulated video, the eagle is seen circling the temple complex with the cloth clutched in its talons before soaring out toward the Bay of Bengal and disappearing into the horizon. The incident occurred just as dark clouds rolled in, adding a surreal quality to the already dramatic scene.
Eyewitnesses were left stunned.
“At first, we thought it was a kite, but as it got closer, we saw it was an eagle—and it was carrying something that looked just like the temple’s flag,” said Rajesh Das, a street vendor who witnessed the event. “It felt like something out of a movie… or a divine message.”
Another devotee, Meenakshi Mishra, who was offering prayers near the west gate at the time, described it as “a rare and powerful sight.”
“The timing, the storm, the bird—it all felt symbolic. Everyone around me just stopped what they were doing and watched in silence.”
The incident was reported by Odisha TV, which confirmed that the eagle was first spotted near the west gate before flying off toward the sea. According to preliminary speculation, strong winds may have dislodged the flag, allowing the bird to swoop in and seize it.
Online, the event has taken on a life of its own.
“Maybe Garuda himself came to pay tribute to Lord Jagannath,” one user tweeted, referencing the mythical eagle associated with Lord Vishnu.
“Science says it’s coincidence. Faith says it’s a sign. Either way, it’s magical,” another post read.
While many netizens shared spiritual interpretations, others offered more grounded takes, suggesting the eagle may have mistaken the cloth for nesting material.
As of now, the Jagannath Temple administration has not released an official statement, though sources say temple staff are reviewing security footage and inspecting the flag area to understand how the cloth came loose.
Regardless of the explanation, the striking image of an eagle soaring over Srimandir with a sacred flag has added yet another layer of mystery to one of India’s most venerated temples—and a story that continues to unfold.
