Meet Puri's 'Bahubali' Anil Gochikar: The vegetarian bodybuilder amid the egg vs soya debate who trained at ancient Jagaghars to become Mr India

The debate over eggs versus soya as a source of protein has intensified after the West Bengal government decided to replace eggs with soya and rajma in mid-day meals at schools in Kolkata. While supporters of eggs have taken to social media to argue that eggs are a superior source of protein, advocates of vegetarian diets have countered that soya is equally nutritious.

Amid the heated discussion, one name has repeatedly surfaced on social media: Anil Gochikar, popularly known as the "Bahubali of Puri."

"Meet Pujari of Puri Jagannath Mandir Mr Anil Gochikar, locally known as the Bodyguard of Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu. He is an international bodybuilder and is completely vegetarian. So you don't need non-veg for protein!" one user wrote on X.


Another user commented, "He is Anil Gochikar, an Odia Brahmin and a servitor of Bhagwan Jagannath. He doesn't eat beef to have this sculpted body."



A third user wrote, "This single image is a slap to people promoting eggs. He's a vegetarian and a priest."

The viral posts have turned Gochikar into a talking point in the ongoing protein debate, with many citing him as an example of how a vegetarian diet can support muscle building and bodybuilding.

Who is Anil Gochikar?

According to a 2021 PTI report, Anil Gochikar is a well-known bodybuilder from Puri who has participated in around 100 national-level bodybuilding competitions.

The report said that Gochikar, along with several other bodybuilder-servitors of Puri, regularly trains at traditional Jagaghars, or body-building centres, that have long been part of the city's cultural heritage.

A devout follower of Lord Jagannath and a vegetarian, Gochikar reportedly spends at least two hours every day training at these centres.

Over the years, he has won the Mr Odisha title multiple times and also secured the prestigious Mr India title in 2012.

The Legacy of Puri's Jagaghars

According to Jagannath culture researcher Bhaskar Mishra, Jagaghars became prominent during medieval times when Puri and its temples frequently faced threats from invaders.

These training centres were established around the Jagannath Temple to help safeguard the shrine and, when required, defend the kingdom. Over time, they evolved into hubs of physical culture, wrestling and strength training.

Historical accounts suggest that many rulers of Puri actively patronised physical training and wrestling. Competitions were often organised within royal palaces, where outstanding wrestlers and athletes were honoured for their achievements.

Today, Anil Gochikar's viral fame has brought renewed attention to this unique tradition, even as the egg-versus-soya debate continues to dominate social media discussions.