Viral: Dog walks in circles at Hanuman Temple; Internet split between faith and science
The dog reportedly appeared at the temple on Monday morning and began moving endlessly in circles around the idol of Lord Hanuman
PTC Web Desk: A strange incident involving a stray dog at an ancient Hanuman temple in Nandpur village of Uttar Pradesh has ignited a heated debate on social media, with belief and medical reasoning colliding head-on.
The dog reportedly appeared at the temple on Monday morning and began moving endlessly in circles around the idol of Lord Hanuman. According to locals, the animal continued the behaviour for several hours without stopping to eat or drink, drawing the attention of devotees and visitors.
By the third day, the dog reportedly shifted its circular movement to the idol of Maa Durga inside the temple complex, repeating the same pattern. Videos of the incident soon surfaced online, fuelling speculation and emotional reactions.
While several devotees described the dog’s actions as a “divine signal” and a sign of spiritual presence, veterinary experts offered a starkly different explanation. According to animal health specialists, such repetitive motion is often linked to neurological disorders, inner ear infections or conditions such as canine vestibular disease, which require urgent medical care.
Despite these warnings, the situation took a dramatic turn as some devotees began worshipping the dog, treating it as a sacred figure or spiritual reincarnation. Visuals showed a priest seated beside the animal, while visitors queued up to touch its feet and seek blessings. The dog was even provided with a mattress inside the temple premises.
The incident triggered sharp criticism on social media, with many users expressing concern that superstition was overshadowing the dog’s medical needs. Several called the episode dangerous and embarrassing, warning that neglecting treatment could worsen the animal’s condition.
Popular X (formerly Twitter) user Piyush Rai shared a video of the scene and condemned the developments. “Devotees have now started treating the dog as some spiritual incarnation, with a priest sitting next to him inside the temple. The stray is resting on a comfy mattress, and people are lining up to touch his feet,” he wrote.
Another user reacted strongly, criticising blind belief and questioning public awareness, calling the situation a reflection of misplaced priorities.
As the debate continues online, animal welfare activists have urged authorities and temple management to intervene and ensure the dog receives immediate veterinary attention.