Bhubaneswar, Nov 21: Odisha will be celebrating Anla Navami, which is also known as Akshaya Navami today. This occasion is joyously celebrated by spiritual women. It is observed in the month of Kartik according to the Hindu calendar, occurs two days prior to Dev Uthani Ekadashi and is considered the commencement of the Satya Yuga.
Recognized as Satya Yugadi, Akshaya Navami Day holds special significance for Daan-Punya events. The belief is that performing any virtuous deed or displaying dedication on this day brings eternal blessings, benefiting the individual in both this life and future incarnations.
In Hindu mythology, it is said that Lord Vishnu used to spend time on the gooseberry tree between Kartik Purnima and Navami of Kartik Shukla Paksha. Consequently, Akshaya Navami is dedicated to worshiping Lord Vishnu in gratitude for his blessings.
Here are the timings and muhurat for Anla Navami (Akshaya Navami) in 2023:
- Akshaya Navami 2023 begins on November 21, 2023, at 03:16 AM.
- Purvahna Akshaya Navami 2023 Duration: 06:48 AM – 12:07 PM.
- Akshaya Navami 2023 concludes on November 22, 2023, at 01:09 AM.
Anla Navami in Sakhi Gopal temple:
Thousands of devotees thronged the Sakhi Gopinath Temple at Sakhigopal in Puri. Devotees were seen in a long queue in front of the temple since early morning to have a glimpse of Radha Pada on the auspicious occasion. As per the ritual, the temple door was opened from night 1 am. The Mangala Alati was performed at 1:30am. Later, from 1:30 am to 3 am, Maa Radha was adorned in her special attire. Lord Krishna was also dressed in Natabar Besha. First, the temple employees and sevayats got the opportunity to view the feet of Maa Radha at around 5 am. Later, it was opened for the devotees from 6. Anla Nabami is observed on the ninth day of the holy month of Kartik. On the auspicious occasion, Goddess Radharani is adorned in special attire called Odiani Besha while Lord Krishna is dressed in Natabar Besha.
Goddess Radha is decorated with various embellishments all around the year and her feet always remain concealed. However, on the auspicious day of Anla Nabami, devotees get a chance to view her feet as she wears a typical Kachha costume and hence the ritual is known as Radha Pada Darshan.
Story behind Anla Navami:
The story behind Anla Navami is rooted in Hindu traditions, marking the auspicious ninth day of Shukla Paksha in the month of Kartik.
Rituals observed on this day include early morning holy baths, sacred water rituals, cleaning of homes, creating thirty squares (Kotha) filled with grains, lentils, and other items, and concluding with the recitation of Vedic mantras. Farmers celebrate the day with gratitude for a bountiful harvest, while women engage in fasting, reciting kirtans and bhajans.
Akshaya Navami holds immense significance in Hinduism, with believers aspiring for the fulfillment of wishes and the attainment of salvation (moksha).
Acts of charity and donations on this day are considered particularly auspicious. Also known as Kushmanda Navami, it commemorates the day when Lord Vishnu defeated the demon "Kushmanda," preventing the spread of Adharma. Those who devoutly pray on this day are believed to receive both salvation and the fulfillment of their wishes.
