The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c17.s1.240

v2.c17.s1.240

An amusing anecdote is generally related of this miracle. The late Rājā Sukhamaya Rāya of Calcutta was noted for his thrifty habits and lax morality; he stood at the temple-door, but could see nothing and was reminded of his sins. He returned to his lodgings, prayed all day and night, promised to make amends by defraying the cost of a metalled road from Cuttack to Puri and of rest-houses and dispensaries at Puri, Cuttack, Yājapur and Bālāssore, and the next day, entering the temple without the circumambulation, which he had already performed the day before, he beheld the divinity in all his glory. The Rājā kept his promise and the present high road to Puri from Cuttack, a distance of over fifty miles, and the rest-houses and hospitals at the several places named bear witness thereof. They cost him several lacs of rupees. I visited the temple at 1 P. M. and going round it once entered the temple; but with the effect of the bright light without, and the glare of a lamp held before my face, I could see very little of the images even when standing in the middle of the sanctum. I did not, however, say anything of my failing sight but asked one of the priests to take me by the hand and enable me to perform the circumambulation of the throne of the divinity. I went round the throne thrice, keeping my eyes completely closed, and this sufficed either to wash off my sins or to take off the contraction of my pupils and I saw with the aid of the lamp held away from me the images as well as possible. A shrewd priest whom I afterwards talked on the subject admitted that he and others of his fraternity were well aware of the miracle, often appealed to, being due to the sudden transition from light to darkness.