The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c17.s1.376.3

v2.c17.s1.376.3

The youth heard not the tinkling and was very much frightened by the idea that the god had forsaken him. In his fear he forgot his compact with the god, and turned round, when lo : the god stood firm and would proceed no further, as the original compact had been broken. According to the *Caitanya Caritāmṛta* version, the turning round was caused by a desire on the part of the youth to be satisfied that the god had really come, and there was no delusion in it. In either case the denoument was the same ; the god would advance no further. The poor youth, therefore, proceeded to the town and informed the elder Brahman of what had happened. The surprise at this occurrence was universal. The whole town repaired to the place to behold the image, and, true enough, there it was, and no imposition of any kind could be suspected. The place was an arid plain, where no image of any kind had before existed and the image was too big and heavy for a single person to bring it. It was a miracle and nothing but a miracle could have accomplished its presence there. All scruples regarding the lowly birth of the youth were, thereupon, overcome ; the Brahman repented of his conduct and thought himself blessed by making an alliance with one who was so highly favoured by the god.