Hundreds of devotees thronged the Alarnath Temple near Brahmagiri in Puri district on Monday as the deities of the Puri Jagannath Temple are away from public view after the grand bathing ritual on the occasion of Debasnan Purnima on Sunday.
The deities go on a fortnight-long hibernation known as ‘Anasara’ or ‘Anavasara’ after they fall sick following the bath with 108 pitchers of holy water. During this period, devotees seek blessings of the deities at the Alarnath Temple, a 13th-century shrine. The devotees made a beeline to this temple since early morning.
The pilgrims not only gather to get a view of the Alarnath Temple’s presiding deity but also get a taste of the famous khiri (rice porridge) here. The shrine is known for its unique idol of a four-armed standing Vishnu made of black chlorite.
Residents of Brahmagiri believe that the Alarnath temple became the devotional destination during this period ever since saint Chaitanya visited it after he missed the view of Lord Jagannath in Puri during Anasara.
Legend has it that the temple is named after the Alwar royal dynasty of Rajasthan. It is believed that the shrine was established by one of the Alwar rulers. Hence, it has been named as Alwarnath, which later became Alarnath.
The khiri prepared here is in great demand throughout the year and also has an interesting legend behind it. As per popular belief, the temple priest had once forgotten to offer Khiri to the deity even though he had prepared it. When the priest realised it and returned to offer it, he found the khiri drops on the face of the idol. It is said that the deity had tasted the offering.
It may be mentioned that patta paintings known as ‘Anasara Patti’ of Lords Jagannath and Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra are worshipped in the Puri shrine during the Anasara period.
Besides, the darshan of Patitapaban, the representative image of Lord Jagannath, on the right side of the main entrance of temple from Singhadwar, is also closed. Anasara Patti of Patitapaban is also placed in front of the main entrance for public darshan.
