Brahmagiri, Jul 8: Every year, after the grand Snana Purnima rituals at the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Devi Subhadra withdraw from public view for the sacred fortnight known as Anasara. Believed to be recovering from illness after the ceremonial bath, the deities remain inaccessible to devotees. Yet, the uninterrupted flow of faith continues—not in Puri, but about 25 kilometres away at Brahmagiri, where Lord Alarnath becomes the centre of devotion.

For centuries, devotees have considered Lord Alarnath to be the living manifestation of Lord Vishnu, offering them divine darshan when Lord Jagannath remains away from public view. It is this age-old belief that transforms the quiet temple at Brahmagiri into one of Odisha's most revered pilgrimage destinations during the Anasara period.

According to temple traditions and local folklore, Lord Jagannath assured His devotees that although he would remain unseen during Anasara, he would continue to bless them through his form as Lord Alarnath. Since then, countless pilgrims have visited Brahmagiri, believing that a darshan of Lord Alarnath during these sacred days carries the same spiritual merit as seeing Lord Jagannath in Puri.

One of the most celebrated legends associated with Lord Alarnath revolves around his extraordinary love for kheer (sweet rice pudding), a tradition that continues to draw thousands of devotees every year.

The story dates back to a time when a temple servitor had to leave his village for some time. Before departing, he entrusted the daily offering of kheer bhoga to his young son. Innocent and unaware of the formal rituals of worship, the child simply placed the offering before the deity and prayed with complete faith, requesting the Lord to accept it.

When the boy opened his eyes, he was astonished to find the vessel empty. Convinced that the Lord had accepted the offering, he happily returned home with the empty pot.

His mother, however, found the story impossible to believe. Assuming that an animal had eaten the offering, she decided to witness the ritual herself the following day. Concealing herself behind the deity, she watched as the boy once again offered the kheer with pure devotion.

To her amazement, Lord Alarnath is believed to have manifested and leaned forward to consume the offering. Overwhelmed by the divine sight, the frightened woman screamed. Startled, the Lord withdrew suddenly, causing the hot kheer to spill onto His chest and limbs.

Temple servitors say the burn marks from the hot kheer are still visible on the deity's stone idol and remain a sacred reminder of the Lord's affection for the simple offering made with unwavering faith.

The legend has elevated the temple's kheer bhoga to a unique place in Odisha's religious traditions. Thousands of devotees consider it one of the holiest offerings, believing that Lord Alarnath personally accepts it just as He did centuries ago.

Beyond its folklore, the Alarnath Temple symbolises an enduring spiritual message. While Lord Jagannath may temporarily withdraw from public darshan during Anasara, devotees believe that He never distances Himself from those who seek Him with sincere devotion. Instead, He manifests as Lord Alarnath, ensuring that faith remains uninterrupted.

Every year, this timeless tradition attracts pilgrims from across Odisha and beyond, making Brahmagiri a vibrant centre of worship during Anasara. For devotees, the journey to Lord Alarnath is not merely an alternative pilgrimage—it is a profound reminder that divine grace is always within reach, even when the Lord appears hidden from sight.