Born around 1607–1608 AD to a Mughal subedar, Lalbeg, and a Brahmin widow, Salabega’s story bridges hearts and faiths. Though raised Muslim, he inherited his mother’s deep love for Lord Jagannath and Krishna.
The Turning Point
As a young warrior in his father’s army, Salabega was grievously wounded in battle. On his mother’s advice, he chanted the name of Krishna and experienced a miraculous recovery. Deeply moved, he resolved to devote his life to Lord Jagannath.
Searching for the Lord
He journeyed to Puri, only to be refused temple entry due to his Muslim identity. Undeterred, he walked to Vrindavan, lived as an ascetic, and spent a year reciting bhajans. Returning to Puri for the Rath Yatra, he fell ill again and prayed: “Lord, please wait for me.”
Divine Miracle at Rath Yatra
Legend says the Nandighosha chariot halted at his spot on Puri’s Grand Road. No matter how hard priests and devotees pulled, it remained still—only resuming once Salabega had his darshan.
This miracle transformed his status: from outsider to deeply beloved devotee. To this day, during Rath Yatra, the chariot pauses at Salabega’s mazar near Bada Danda to honor his devotion.
His Legacy in Song
Salabega composed several heartfelt bhajans. His most famous hymn, “Ahe Nila Saila”, is a lament and plea to Lord Jagannath, widely sung in Odissi classical form. It remains central to devotional music in Odisha.
Eternal Remembrance
His samadhi (memorial tomb) stands on Puri’s Grand Road, where devotees offer prayers during Rath Yatra. His compositions are sung even today, preserving his message of universal devotion.