Location: Nandpur Village, Nagina Tehsil, Bijnor District (Uttar Pradesh)
An unusual and gripping event has unfolded in rural Uttar Pradesh, capturing the attention of thousands on the ground and millions online. A stray dog in Nandpur village has become the center of a massive spiritual frenzy after it began continuously circling (performing parikrama) around ancient temple idols and is being revered as “Dog Maharaj”.
Table of Contents
Timeline of Events
- The Beginning (Jan 11–12): Locals first noticed the stray dog circling an idol of Lord Hanuman.
- The Intensification (Jan 13–14): The behavior reportedly continued for 24–36 hours without food, water, or rest. The dog eventually expanded its path to include a Maa Durga idol.
- The Viral Explosion (Jan 15): National media outlets (News18, India.com) picked up the story. Reports emerged that the dog had been circling for over 72 hours.
- Current Status (Jan 18): The situation has evolved into active worship. The dog, now resting within the temple premises, is being adorned with flowers and cloth by devotees.
Faith and Frenzy: “Dog Maharaj”
As news of the dog’s relentless movement spread, crowds from neighboring villages flocked to the site, viewing the event as a “Chamatkar” (miracle).
- Spiritual Interpretation: Many devotees believe the dog is an incarnation of Baba Bhairav (associated with Lord Shiva) or a symbol of pure devotion.
- Rituals: Devotees have begun bowing to the animal, touching its feet, and referring to it as “Dog Maharaj.”
- Folklore: Rumors have heightened the dramatic atmosphere, with stories circulating of a pigeon landing on the dog and dying, which some viewed as a mystical omen.
The Reason: Why Do Dogs Circle? (Scientific Perspective)
While the local community views this as a divine intervention, veterinarians and animal welfare experts have raised serious alarms. Continuous, compulsive circling is rarely a behavioral quirk; it is usually a clinical sign of a significant health crisis.
Potential Medical Explanations:
- Neurological Disorders: The most likely cause is a neurological issue affecting the forebrain. When a lesion or tumor exists on one side of the brain, animals often circle toward the side of the injury.
- Vestibular Disease: This affects the dog’s balance system (inner ear or brainstem). While often accompanied by a head tilt and stumbling, it can cause disorientation and circling.
- Canine Distemper Virus (CDV): This is a highly contagious viral disease. In its later stages, it attacks the nervous system, leading to seizures and repetitive movements like circling (often called “chewing gum fits” or pacing).
- Rabies: While less likely if the dog is not showing aggression, “dumb” rabies can manifest as confusion and aimless wandering or circling before paralysis sets in.
- Head Trauma: Severe injury to the head can result in permanent or temporary circling behavior.
Expert Warning: Experts emphasize that the dog is likely suffering and exhausted, not meditating. The “fasting” observed is likely a lack of appetite (anorexia) caused by illness.
The Ongoing Debate
As of today, January 18, 2026, a heated debate has erupted online and in the media:
- Team Faith: Defenders argue this is a strengthening of Hindu traditions and a testament to the spiritual sensitivity of animals.
- Team Welfare: Critics and veterinarians argue that withholding medical treatment in favor of worship constitutes animal neglect.
Calls are growing for immediate veterinary intervention to assess the dog’s health and prevent potential public health risks, though no official action has been confirmed yet.
