SIX YEAR OLD BOY WHO SUBDUED A TYRANNICAL KING AND GAVE A NEW LIFE TO 360 PRISONERS

SIX YEAR OLD BOY WHO SUBDUED A TYRANNICAL KING AND GAVE A NEW LIFE TO 360 PRISONERS

13-FEB-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA---------------------------A six-year-old boy, a tyrannical king, and faith that emerged from the fire. The story of Budhu Bhagat, who saved 360 lives from the jaws of death.

The folk traditions of Indian society are filled with numerous tales that, while not recorded in formal history books, remain alive in the memory, faith, and cultural consciousness of people from generation to generation. One such remarkable tale is that of Budhu Bhagat—a boy revered as a god by the Dusadh (Paswan) community, who, at the age of six, challenged the tyrannical king of Morang and saved the lives of 360 imprisoned Bhagats.

This story is not just a tale of miracles, but also a symbol of social injustice, oppression by power, and the power of faith during that era.

Chandrama Paswan (Dusadh), a resident of Chowkipur village in Bhojpur district, recounts that generations ago, King Himpati ruled Morang. Under his rule, the people were considered prosperous, but the king's nature was extremely harsh and authoritarian.

According to popular belief, a decision was made to perform Rahu Puja in the king's court. The king announced throughout the kingdom that any devotee who came to his court and performed the Rahu Puja properly would receive a reward, but failure to perform the puja would result in imprisonment.

Following this announcement, many devotees arrived in Morang for the puja, but because the puja was unsuccessful, 360 devotees were imprisoned one by one. Gradually, this puja became a source of fear, and an atmosphere of terror pervaded the kingdom.

The families of the imprisoned devotees and the prisoners themselves began praying to God for someone who could end the king's injustice. Meanwhile, word began to spread in the Morang region that a six-year-old boy in Kushumahar village was believed to be blessed with the special grace of Lord Rahu.

According to folklore, Budhu Bhagat had been shown to possess extraordinary spiritual powers since childhood. The belief became prevalent in the Dusadh community that Budhu Bhagat was a savior and that remembering him in times of trouble would bring protection.

Jaipat Dusadh of Morang country personally visited Kushumahar village and shared his plight with Budhu Bhagat's family. He explained that 360 Bhagats had been imprisoned so far and their lives were in danger. This decision was not an easy one for the family. Sending a six-year-old child to the court of a tyrannical king was not without risk. An atmosphere of fear and anxiety prevailed in the home. The Kingdom Shakes Upon Arriving at Morang It is said that Budhu Bhagat arrived at Morang with his companions and set up a puja pavilion on the village grounds. As the sound of the Manar (Pakhawaj) spread, the entire area was stirred. The sound of the Manar was so powerful that news of it reached King Himapati. The king was astonished to learn that someone had arrived in his kingdom whose worship had resonated throughout the area. The next morning, the king himself arrived at the puja site.

When the king saw a small boy at the puja site, he was astonished. According to folklore, the king asked the boy his name and village. The boy fearlessly introduced himself as Budhu Bhagat, village Kushumahar. The king decided to test the boy.

According to folklore, a 21-foot-deep pit was dug on the king's orders. A huge fire was lit by adding mango wood and a large amount of ghee. The king announced that only if the boy emerged safely from the fire would his worship be accepted. The entire village fell silent. People were terrified. It was unimaginable for anyone that a six-year-old boy would enter the fire. Folklore says that Budhu Bhagat invoked Lord Rahu and entered the fire. Some time later, when people opened their eyes, Budhu Bhagat was seen emerging safely from the fire. The entire area, including the king, was stunned by this sight. Then, shouts of "Victory to Budhu Bhagat" resounded.

Before the ordeal, Budhu Bhagat had made a condition to the king that if he succeeded, all 360 Bhagats imprisoned in the prison would be released and no Bhagat would face such injustice in the future. According to popular belief, King Himapati's pride was shattered and he ordered the release of all the prisoners.

The Dusadh community still believes that Budhu Bhagat protects those in times of trouble. This is why the tradition of worshipping Rahu is still observed with devotion in this community.