A peculiar incident from a village in Uttar Pradesh’s Bijnor district has drawn widespread attention on social media. Since January 11, a dog has reportedly been seen continuously circling the idol of
Lord Hanuman at an old temple in Nandpur village, located in Nagina tehsil. A video of the incident has gone viral, attracting large crowds to the temple and sparking intense debate.
According to local reports, the dog has been circling the idol for more than 72 hours without eating or drinking. While some villagers believe the behaviour is a divine sign or an act of devotion, others have gone a step further, worshipping the dog as an incarnation of Bhairav Baba.
People from nearby villages and distant areas have been visiting the temple to witness the scene, as the dog continues to move in circles without pause.
Can Science Explain This Animal Behaviour?
The unusual sight has raised an important question: is this truly a miracle, or could there be a scientific explanation? Experts say that such behaviour in animals can often be linked to physical, neurological, or psychological conditions.
Here are some possible scientific explanations.
- Zoomies Or FRAPs: In scientific terms, sudden bursts of energy in animals are known as Frenetic Random Activity Periods (FRAPs), commonly referred to as ‘zoomies’. During this phase, dogs may suddenly start running in circles. Typically, this lasts only a few minutes, but in younger or highly energetic dogs, it may continue for a longer duration.
- Obsessive Compulsive Behaviour: Dogs can develop a condition similar to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in humans, medically described as ‘stereotypic behaviour’. This can be triggered by stress, boredom, trauma, or confinement in small spaces. Affected dogs may repeatedly chase their tails or follow the same path for hours as a coping mechanism.
- Canine Dementia Or Alzheimer’s: Older dogs can suffer from Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD), which is comparable to Alzheimer’s or dementia in humans. Such dogs often become disoriented and may walk in circles for extended periods because their brain fails to signal when to stop.
- Neurological Or Inner Ear Disorders: Prolonged circling in one direction may also indicate serious neurological issues, such as a brain tumour, infection, or inflammation. Pressure on one side of the brain can force an animal to walk continuously in circles. Vestibular disease, which affects the inner ear and balance, can also cause similar symptoms.
- Excess Energy Or Underlying Distress: A lack of physical exercise or mental stimulation can also lead dogs to circle repeatedly to release pent-up energy. However, experts warn that if this behaviour is accompanied by panting, anxiety, confusion, or failure to recognise familiar people, it may indicate pain, illness, or psychological distress rather than playfulness.
Similar Incidents Reported Earlier
This is not the first time such incidents have captured public attention. In 2017, a dog in Uttar Pradesh’s Banda district was reported to have circled a Shiva temple throughout the night for an entire week. Devotees viewed it as a miracle, though no scientific or medical explanation was officially recorded.
In 2016, a dog in Karnataka reportedly circled a temple daily from early morning until evening, causing traffic congestion and widespread media coverage.
Global Examples Of Animals Circling
In 2022, hundreds of sheep in Inner Mongolia, China, were seen walking in a perfect circle for 12 consecutive days. The video went viral worldwide. Scientists suggested possible causes such as listeriosis, a bacterial infection affecting the brain, or severe stress.
Similar incidents have been reported in Russia, where cows and sheep circled for nearly 12 hours, and in 2021, marine animals were observed swimming in circular patterns.
In Bolivia, a street dog came to be regarded as a ‘holy monk’ after it began living in a Franciscan monastery. It was later revealed that the animal was simply a stray dog that the monks had taken in and adopted.
What Experts Say
Although the Chinese sheep incident never received an official government conclusion, experts offered possible explanations. Professor Matt Bell, a UK-based academic, noted that animals kept in confined spaces often become frustrated and begin circling due to a lack of forward movement. Sheep also tend to follow one another, meaning once a few begin circling, the entire flock may join in.
Another theory involved bacterial infections affecting the brain, though experts pointed out that animals suffering from such infections usually die within 48 hours. In the Chinese case, the sheep continued circling for 12 days and were reportedly healthy.
Miracle Or Medical Mystery?
While faith and belief shape how many people interpret such incidents, experts stress the importance of considering medical and scientific explanations. In the case of the Bijnor dog, a veterinary examination could help determine whether the behaviour stems from stress, illness, neurological issues, or environmental factors rather than divine intervention.
