Alarnath Temple: Know its history, importance and more

Alarnath Temple located in Brahmagiri near Puri in Odisha is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is believed that during the Anavasara period, when devotees are not allowed to see the central icon of Jagannath in the Puri temple, Jagannath appears in this temple as Alarnath Deva.

Table of Contents

1. History of Alarnath Temple
2. Importance of Alarnath Temple during Anavasara period
3. Main festivals celebrated in Alarnath Temple
4. Architecture of Alarnath Temple
5. How to reach Alarnath Temple from Puri?
6. Other attractions near Alarnath Temple

History of Alarnath Temple

The history of Alarnath Temple in Brahmagiri near Puri dates back to the 12th century. According to ancient legends, Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Vishnu on the top of this hill during Satya Yuga. Pleased with the devotion of Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu appeared and instructed him to carve an idol of the four-armed deity out of black stone. The present temple was built by King Madan Mahadeva about eleven hundred years ago. Earlier the worship was performed by South Indian Brahmins who were in the disciple tradition of the great spiritual masters known as Alvars. This is why the deity came to be known as Alvarnath ("Lord of the Alvars"), which later became Alarnath. The temple is associated with the visit of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to Odisha during the 16th century. During the Anavas period when darshan of Lord Jagannath is not permitted, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu used to visit the Alarnath temple. It is believed that Lord Jagannath directed him to come to this temple. This temple is considered as one of the 108 Abhimana Kshetras of the Vaishnava tradition. Many historians believe that the Alvars once visited this place, but there is no mention of it in the Divyaprabandham.

Importance of Alarnath Temple during Anavasara period

1. During the Anavasara period, when devotees are not allowed to see the idol of Lord Jagannath in the Puri temple, it is believed that Jagannath appears in this temple as Alarnath deva.
2. This Anavasara period makes the Alarnath temple a popular pilgrimage site, as devotees believe that visiting it bestows them with the same divine blessings as visiting the Jagannath temple in Puri.
3. The temple servitors offer a special rice pudding known as 'kheer' to Lord Alarnath during this period, which is relished by thousands of devotees visiting the temple.
4. The Alarnath temple is closely associated with the visits of the revered Vaishnavite saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who used to visit here during Anavasara, when he was unable to visit Lord Jagannath in Puri.

Main Festivals Celebrated at Alarnath Temple

Rath Yatra: The annual Rath Yatra festival is the most prominent festival at the Alarnath temple. It is held in the month of Ashadh (June-July) and involves the Lord riding on a chariot pulled by devotees.
Janmashtami: The birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with great pomp at the Alarnath temple. Special prayers and worship are offered to the Lord during this festival.
Diwali: The festival of lights is also celebrated at the Alarnath temple, wherein the temple is decorated with lights and flowers.
Kartik Purnima: This full moon festival in the month of Kartik (October-November) is celebrated with special rituals and prayers at the temple.
Anavasara: During the 15-day period when the deity of the Jagannath temple in Puri is not available for darshan, devotees believe that Lord Jagannath appears in this temple as Alarnath Deva. Special offerings like kheer (rice pudding) are offered to the deity during this time.

Architecture of Alarnath Temple

The Alarnath temple is built in the traditional Kalinga architecture style, with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various scenes from Hindu legends. The temple stands on an elevated platform and faces east. The temple follows the pancharatha plan (with five bays) and panchangbada elevation. The temple consists of a rekha vimana (curvilinear tower), pidha jagamohana (square on plan), and a rectangular nata mandapa. The existing bada (base) of the jagamohana is adorned with carvings of heroines, dikpalas (guardians of directions), and maithuna (erotic) images. The temple was built on the ruins of a 13th-century temple, with only the pista and pabhaga mouldings of the vimana and part of the jagamohana jangha portion remaining. The present temple has been renovated and reconstructed by the Odisha State Archaeological Department on the ruined 13th-century temple.

How to reach Alarnath Temple from Puri?

Alarnath Temple is located in Brahmagiri, about 23-25 ​​km from Puri in Odisha. It is located on the left side of the road while going towards Satapada in Brahmagiri town beyond Puri. The temple is well connected by road and can be reached from Puri via local buses, taxis or auto-rickshaws. The journey from Puri to Alarnath Temple usually takes about 40 minutes to an hour depending on the traffic conditions. Devotees can also explore nearby attractions like Chilika Lake, Puri Beach and Konark Sun Temple during their visit to Alarnath Temple.

Other Attractions Near Alarnath Temple

Chilka Lake: The largest salt water lake in Asia, located about 30 km from Alarnath TempShri Jagannath Temple, Puri: The famous Jagannath temple in Puri, which is the main temple associated with the Alarnath temple.
Konark Sun Temple: UNESCO listed 13th century Sun Temple. World Heritage Site, located about 35 km from Alarnath Temple.
Lingaraja Temple, Bhubaneswar: The 11th century Lingaraj Temple, one of the major Shiva temples in Odisha, is about 65 km from Alarnath.
Raghurajpur Artist Village: A heritage crafts village near Alarnath Temple, known for its Pattachitra paintings and handicrafts.
Sri Sri Sonar Gauranga Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Gauranga (Chaitanya Mahaprabhu), located close to Alarnath Temple.