Brahmagiri, Odisha, July 13 (UDN): A sea of devotees is expected to converge at the revered Sri Alarnath Temple in Brahmagiri today as the temple observes the final day of the sacred Anasara Darshan, marking the culmination of a spiritually significant period in the Jagannath tradition.

During the Anasara period, when the deities of the Shree Jagannath Temple, Puri, remain out of public view following the Snana Purnima rituals, devotees traditionally visit Sri Alarnath, believing that Lord Jagannath manifests here in the form of Lord Vishnu. The final day of darshan attracts pilgrims from across Odisha and neighbouring states, making it one of the busiest occasions at the temple.

Temple doors opened early this morning, with public darshan commencing at 6:00 a.m. and continuing until late in the night to accommodate the anticipated influx of worshippers. Long queues of devotees were witnessed from the early hours, with thousands arriving to offer prayers and seek the blessings of the deity.

The temple’s celebrated Khiri Mahaprasad, a traditional sweet rice offering closely associated with Sri Alarnath, continues to be a major attraction for pilgrims visiting the shrine.

To ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage, the district administration, temple authorities, and police have put in place extensive security and crowd-management measures. Barricades have been erected, additional police personnel deployed, and special traffic arrangements implemented to regulate the movement of devotees and vehicles around the temple premises.

With the conclusion of the Anasara Darshan, attention will now shift to Nava Jaubana Darshan, when the deities at Shree Jagannath Temple reappear before devotees after the ritual recuperation period. This will be followed by the world-renowned Rath Yatra, one of India’s largest and most significant religious festivals.