Alarnatha Temple, is a temple dedicated to Vishnu and located in Brahmagiri, Odisha, near Puri. It becomes crowded during the krishna paksha of Ashadha, after the Snana Yatra when lord Jagannath can’t be seen in Puri. During this period, popularly known as Anasara or ‘Anavasara’ (literally meaning no opportunity to see the lord of Puri), instead of having darshan in Jagannath Temple, peoples believe that Lord Jagannath during this time manifests as Alarnath Dev, at the Alarnath temple in Brahmagiri, which is about 23 km from Puri.
Historical Evidences
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu during his stay in Puri used to see Shri Jagannath daily.During Anavasara when Lord and his siblings were taken to the secret chamber for 15 days,he was unable to see his dear Lord.So as per legend lord directed him to go to Brahmagiri and visit his another temple called Alvaarnath. Still today the large Shila or large stone most popularly known as Premashila over which Shree Chaitanya used to do Sankirtan is there. It is believed that this large Shila got melted by the body temperature of Shree Chaitanya. Many historians have a opinion that Alwars once visited this place, but there is no mention of it in Divyaprabandham.
Temple Timings
The Temple opens at 6 AM.and closes at 9:30PM. Morning Baal Bhoga is offered and mid day different kinds of Rice, Dal and vegetable curries with Payasam is offered. Night different kinds of Pitha and Khichudi with Plantain fry is offered. During Anavasara time the Payasa or Kheeri bhoga offered to Alarnaath Swami is much hyped and in demand.
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