Puri, June 30 {UDN}: Following the ritualistic Snana Purnima, during which the deities are ceremonially bathed with 108 pitchers of sanctified water, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra, and Sudarshan are traditionally believed to develop a fever due to the excessive sacred bathing. According to the centuries-old traditions of the Jagannath Temple, the deities now enter the Anasara period—a sacred phase of seclusion during which they remain away from public view for treatment and rest.
During this period, devotees are unable to have darshan of the deities at the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Instead, thousands of pilgrims travel to the Alarnath Temple at Brahmagiri, where Lord Alarnath is worshipped as the divine manifestation of Lord Jagannath during the Anasara period. It is believed that offering prayers at Alarnath during these days brings the same spiritual blessings as having darshan of Lord Jagannath.
From today, Anasara Darshan at Alarnath Temple begins, and a large influx of devotees is expected over the coming days. Special arrangements have been made by the authorities to ensure smooth darshan, crowd management, security, and other essential facilities for pilgrims visiting the sacred shrine.
The Anasara period continues until the deities recover and reappear before devotees during the auspicious Nabajaubana Darshan, just before the world-famous Rath Yatra begins. This unique tradition reflects the deeply human aspect of Lord Jagannath, where the deities are believed to experience illness, undergo treatment, and regain health like ordinary human beings, strengthening the emotional and spiritual bond between the Lord and His devotees.
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