Bijnor, January 23: Bhairav, the stray dog from Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, who gained national social media fame for "performing parikrama" (religious circling) around a Hanuman idol, was actually suffering from a life-threatening neurological condition. The eight-month-old canine, named "Bhairav" by locals who viewed him as a divine incarnation, was rescued on January 17 and transported to a specialised veterinary facility in the Delhi-NCR region. Doctors have confirmed that his repetitive circling was a symptom of Anaplasma, a severe tick-borne bacterial infection that had likely spread to his brain.

Bhairav's Journey From 'Miracle' to Medical Emergency

Bhairav first made headlines on January 11 when videos emerged of him continuously circling an idol at a temple in Bijnor's Nandpur village. As the footage went viral, crowds gathered to worship the animal, offering it flowers and heavy foods like "gajar ka halwa" and "puri". Bijnor: Viral Video of Stray Dog Circling Hanuman Idol in UP Sparks ‘Miracle’ Claims As Devotees Rush To Seek Blessings of ‘Dog Maharaj’.

However, animal welfare experts and veterinarians quickly flagged the behaviour as a sign of distress. Sanjay Mohapatra, founder of the House of Stray Animals in Noida, intervened with the help of local authorities, warning that the dog would have died in the temple had medical help not arrived.

Viral Video Shows Stray Dog Circling a Hanuman Idol in Bijnor

Diagnosis: Tick Fever and Brain Inflammation

Upon arrival at Max Vets in Delhi, comprehensive tests revealed that Bhairav’s "devotional" acts were involuntary neurological responses.

Anaplasma Infection: Blood tests confirmed a tick-borne bacterial infection that attacks white blood cells, causing fever, lethargy, and in advanced cases, neurological disorders.

Brain Involvement: Veterinarian Shubham Katiyar stated that the bacteria likely affected the brain, causing the dog to lose control over his movements and walk in obsessive circles.

Gastrointestinal Distress: An ultrasound showed severe intestinal swelling, exacerbated by the human food offered by devotees at the temple. Monkey Menace in Bijnor: Farmers Don Bear Costumes To Drive Away Monkeys, Protect Crops in Uttar Pradesh (Watch Video).

Current Health Status of Bhairav

Bhairav is currently undergoing intensive treatment at a shelter home in Noida. His caregivers report that his condition is stabilising; he is no longer running a fever and has begun eating a proper canine diet. While he remains underweight at 14 kg, his recovery is described as a "miracle of medicine rather than faith."

Future Plans and Relocation of Bhairav the 'Divine' Dog

The rescue team plans to return Bhairav to Bijnor once he has fully recovered, as relocating stray animals is legally restricted. However, Mohapatra emphasised that strict instructions will be given to local temple caretakers and villagers to ensure the dog is not fed human sweets or denied medical attention in the future.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 23, 2026 08:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).