Khurda: He is visually-impaired by birth and begs to earn a living. Yet, this septuagenarian has donated Rs 1 lakh for Shani temple construction suggesting that old age and physical disabilities can never come as a hindrance for someone who has determination and strong willpower.
Meet Raghu Rout. He is a native of Ganjam district but stays on the premises of Hatakeshwar Temple at Baghmari town in Khurda district. Asked about his age, he says he must have crossed 70.
In a soiled white shirt, sporting grey hair on his nearly-bald head with unkempt beard, Raghu, sitting near the temple, says he left his house when he was a mere child as he felt he was being neglected and rebuked by family members owing to his physical limitations.
Hatakeshwar Temple has been his home for about last ten years. He goes around nearby villages seeking alms and returns to the temple before evening.
“I can still remember the evening I was taking rest when the idea of getting a Shani temple constructed struck my mind. Assuming it as an order from the Lord himself, I started saving money, skimping on my expenses which were already limited. And now with the help of the villagers, the construction work on the temple has already begun,” he says.
Raghu has so far given Rs 1 lakh in two phases.
“I have stopped going out since coronavirus outbreak. I have left everything to God. It is he who is getting his temple constructed. I am only a medium. The construction work will be complete through the blessings of Lord Shiva and Lord Shani,” he adds.
Hatakeshwar temple trustee Akrur Rana said that Raghu has set an example for others. What Raghu has attempted for is something that even normal and better-off persons can barely achieve.
“He is living a simple life. All the villagers revere him as a saint. He is a man who receives whatever the villagers give him. He is never heard cursing anyone for not giving alms,” Rana added.
“His undiluted devotion to God is really inspiring. Words fall short to praise him,” said another villager.
PNN
