Karnataka: Lost dog returns home, sparks celebration in Yamagarni village

A black indie dog named Maharaj became the center of a heartwarming celebration in Yamagarni village, Nipani taluk, after it miraculously returned home following a 250-kilometer journey. The dog, well past its prime, was lost in the pilgrimage town of Pandharpur in South Maharashtra but managed to find its way back to its home village in North Karnataka.

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The dog had accompanied its owner, Kamalesh Kumbhar, a devoted 'Warkari', on his annual 'Wari padayatra' to Pandharpur in late June. Kumbhar, who visits Pandharpur every year on Ashadha Ekadashi and Kartiki Ekadashi, recounted that Maharaj enjoyed listening to bhajans and had previously joined him on other pilgrimages.

After the darshan at Vithoba temple, Kumbhar noticed Maharaj was missing. Despite extensive searching, he was unable to locate the dog and reluctantly returned home on July 14, believing Maharaj might have left with another group.

To his astonishment, Maharaj appeared at Kumbhar's doorstep the following day, wagging his tail and looking well-fed. Overjoyed by the dog's unexpected return, Kumbhar and the villagers celebrated with a grand feast, adorning Maharaj with garlands.

Kumbhar and the villagers hailed the dog's return as a miracle, attributing it to the guidance of Lord Panduranga. The heartening event has since brought immense joy and a sense of divine intervention to the small village.