Noted flute maestro Padmabibhusan Hariprasad Chaurasia unveiled a research book on Alarnath Dev here on Wednesday in the presence of noted singer Padmashree Prafulla Kar and Shreemandir Purohit Sidhheswar Mahapatra. Chaurasia for the first time revealed that he is a native of Brahmagiri and said he feels proud to be an Odia.
About twenty research scholars have contributed to the book, which has been edited by Sanjay Kumra Dasburma. The book reveals hitherto unknown history of the Alarnath Dev. Shree Chaitanya Dev had announced first that visiting Alarnath Dev during Anasar period equals visiting lord Jagannath. Since then devotees have been visiting Alarnath temple, about 23 km from Puri, to have darshan of the deity and to taste the Kheer Bhog.
Besides, another religious book ‘Niladri’ edited by Bhasker Mishra was also inaugurated. Many poets and writers were felicitated on the occasion. Poet Rakshayak Naik conducted the function.
In another event, Handicrafts and Textiles Minister Snehangini Chhuria inaugurated the handicraft exhibition for the Rath Yatra.