Brahmagiri (Puri), June 30 (UDN): Thousands of devotees converged at the Alarnath Temple in Brahmagiri on Tuesday as the annual Anasara period of Lord Jagannath commenced following the Snana Purnima rituals at the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.
According to temple tradition, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra remain in seclusion at the Anasara Ghara for a fortnight after the ceremonial Snana Purnima, as they are believed to undergo treatment following the elaborate ritual bath. During this period, devotees are unable to have darshan of the Holy Trinity at the Srimandir.
As per centuries-old belief, Lord Jagannath manifests as Lord Alarnath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, at the Alarnath Temple, located about 23 kilometres from Puri. Devotees consider darshan of Lord Alarnath during the Anasara period to be spiritually equivalent to having the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
The temple witnessed heavy footfall from the early hours of the day, with pilgrims standing in long queues to offer prayers. Temple authorities conducted the Mangala Alati in the pre-dawn hours before opening the shrine for public darshan. Elaborate arrangements, including crowd management, security and other essential facilities, were put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the rituals and the convenience of devotees.
“We performed the Mangala Alati at 4 a.m., following which the temple was opened for public darshan. Necessary arrangements have been made for devotees,” a temple servitor said.
Expressing their devotion, several pilgrims said the opportunity to have darshan of Lord Alarnath during the Anasara period is considered highly auspicious and attracts devotees from across Odisha and other parts of the country despite long waiting hours.
The Alarnath Temple, a centuries-old monument built in the traditional Kalinga architectural style, houses a four-armed black stone idol of Lord Vishnu holding the conch, discus, mace and lotus, with Garuda depicted in a seated posture at the deity’s feet.
The Anasara period will continue until the Holy Trinity reappears before devotees during Nabajouban Darshan, ahead of the annual Rath Yatra.
