Bijnor’s ‘miracle’ dog ‘troubles’ India: Wave of rural worship meets urban outrage – a losing battle of logic? | viral news

Last updated:January 17, 2026, 14:40 IST

A dog was seen roaming around the idols of Lord Hanuman and Maa Durga inside a local temple for almost three days.

A strange and disturbing incident in Bijnor district of Uttar Pradesh recently caught attention. A dog was seen roaming around the idols of Lord Hanuman and Maa Durga inside a local temple for almost three days. The dog wandered around the statues for hours without stopping, leaving many spectators shocked and confused. It was also reported that the dog did not eat or drink anything during this period.

Several videos show locals gathering at the temple, worshiping the dog and recording the scene on their phones. Many people believed that the dog’s behavior had religious meaning and treated it like a ritual. Although it is speculated that the dog later died, there is still no confirmation of this. After this news came out, many social media users criticized the people present in the temple. he said The dog needed medical attention And said that the dog was probably suffering from some health problem related to balance and brain, which led to its abnormal behavior.

Why are local people worshiping stray dogs and how did it start?

The incident took place in an old Hanuman temple of Nandpur village located in Nagina area. After the dog was seen roaming around the idol, local people gathered at the temple and said that it was a miracle and that the dog was a devotee. Due to this belief some local people started worshiping the dog. Reports say that the dog started circling around the temple around January 11-12, 2026. He roamed around the Hanuman temple non-stop for more than 72 hours before moving towards the idol of Maa Durga.

What was the reaction of the priests and sadhus?

After the incident came to light, the priests and sadhus of the temple described the reaction of the crowd as devotion. Some people also claimed that the dog was an incarnation of Bhairava, encouraging people to worship him and no one thought of seeking medical help.

What is the stance of political leaders?

Surprisingly, no political leader visited the spot nor made any statement regarding the incident. To avoid controversy, local officials also remained silent. This silence allowed excitement and confusion to continue without giving importance to scientific explanation. In the absence of official action, many users and animal health experts shared warnings, stating that the dog may be suffering from a serious medical condition and needs immediate treatment.

After the video surfaced online, one person wrote, “A dog spinning in circles repeatedly, often in the same direction, usually indicates a neurological problem affecting balance, usually vestibular disease. He needs help asap. Stop making everything out to be some imaginary story.”

Another shared, “Please call a vet in Bijnor. Handle the dog with care and safety. Test for viral diseases and importantly high ammonia. Then treat the dog. Even if you are very religious, it is 2026 and Kaliyuga, dogs do not orbit gods like that. Please take it as such.”

What are the scientific explanations?

Experts say the dog’s behavior may be linked to cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). This is a common age-related condition in dogs that affects the brain in a similar manner to Alzheimer’s disease. CDS develops slowly due to age-related brain damage. Sadly, there is no single treatment or cure for this condition.

Other possible causes of such behavior include vestibular disease, obsessive actions or even rabies. Vestibular disorders may also be associated as it affects the dog’s sense of balance. Doctors and animal experts share that these are medical problems and not supernatural signs.

Is the disease contagious?

People trying to go near a dog in Bijnor are not at risk of contracting its disease. A dog’s constant circling is caused by neurological problems, which will not cause any harm to humans. Conditions such as vestibular disorders, ear infections or canine dementia are known to cause this behavior, but it cannot be spread through air, touch or observation. These issues arise from dog-specific factors, such as inner ear problems or changes in the brain and have no way of spreading to their people.

What are the potential risks?

The main concern for stray dogs is the risk of rabies, as the virus can be spread through bites, scratches or contact with saliva. It is advisable to observe such a dog from a safe distance and contact animal control authorities to handle the situation safely.

Why do people see this as a miracle?

Paranormal events are often viewed through a spiritual lens in Hindu culture. Hinduism teaches that the world is full of sacred energy, including animals and nature. Ancient texts such as the Puranas describe deities appearing in various forms, such as devotees of Hanuman or Bhairava, a form of Shiva often associated with dogs. In rural areas like Bijnor, people naturally believe such incidents to be supernatural and turn them into community prayers.

How can rationality be taught effectively?

Rationality simply means using reason to understand and explain any behavior or thought. Encouraging people to think critically using facts and evidence along with open discussion about culture can help balance faith traditions. The Constitution (Article 51A(h)) encourages the development of scientific temper, but this goal is limited by memorization-based education in schools and by religious influences in society.

What educational reforms can help?

Introducing lessons of logic and skepticism in schools can help students learn to question such phenomena rather than blindly accept things. Teaching methods from the Nyaya school of philosophy or modern Socratic-style debate may encourage critical thinking and reasoning. Instead of relying on rituals, students can be shown experiments that explain supernatural phenomena naturally, which will help them develop the habit of verifying information rather than assuming it to be true.

What community strategies can support rationality?

To promote rational thinking, social media campaigns and influencers can be used to spread misinformation alongside scientific facts. Local workshops in rural areas can link rational thinking to practical benefits such as better health or better farming techniques. Parents may also find it helpful to encourage their children to question beliefs in a respectful way.

What insights can be gained from local and national perceptions?

In small towns like Nandpur, people are attracted towards such unusual events out of devotion and social media plays an important role in increasing the attention. Experts warn that these incidents show a lack of awareness about animal health and safety. Such incidents tend to be regional, similar to previous cases such as milk-drinking statues. Meanwhile, criticism of big cities helps prevent negative stereotypes from spreading around the world.

Which sectors in India are leading in promoting rationalization?

Kerala stands out with 94% literacy rate and proper scientific mindset, where people often challenge such superstitions through quality education. Goa blends its Portuguese-influenced way of thinking with a lot of skepticism. In Maharashtra, especially Pune, the focus on IT and technology encourages people to question and think logically. Similarly, Bengaluru’s tech hub supports evidence-based thinking through startups, research and universities.

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