Patnagarh: In an unusual sight that has captured the attention of devotees, a cow has been regularly visiting the Lakshmi Narasimha Temple at Meherpada in Patnagarh of Bolangir district, sitting quietly through devotional songs and leaving only after the devotees have departed.

The cow’s disciplined routine has continued for nearly two months, leaving locals intrigued and evoking a sense of devotion among worshippers.

According to locals, the animal arrives at the temple before the evening aarti and settles down as devotional songs and kirtans fill the premises. It remains calm throughout the prayers, listening to the bhajans alongside the devotees. Once the evening worship concludes and the devotees leave the temple, the cow too gets up and walks away.

The sight of the animal arriving on its own, remaining still during the devotional programme and leaving after everyone else has departed has surprised people visiting the temple. Its regular presence has gradually become a talking point among residents and worshippers in the locality.

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For many devotees, the cow’s behaviour has added a special dimension to their daily prayers. The animal’s quiet presence during the evening rituals has inspired affection and reverence, serving as a reminder of the deep bond between faith, animals and religious traditions.

The incident has also drawn attention to the cultural significance of the cow in Hindu beliefs, where the animal is traditionally revered as Gaumata.

“The evening aarti is held around 6 pm, followed by a bhajan-kirtan programme, which the gaumata attends every day without fail. It stays at the temple until the devotional programme concludes. This has become a daily routine, and its presence gives me immense satisfaction. I feed it whatever prasad is available, be it bananas, jaggery or anything else. I believe its regular visits are a miracle and a blessing from God,” said temple priest Suresh Mishra.