(From top) The Alarnath temple at Brahmagiri, the deity and devotees queue up for a darshan, light earthen lamps and buy sweets. Pictures by Sarat Patra

Bhubaneswar, June 26: The deities of the Jagannath temple in Puri have migrated to a secret place for treatment of their “ailment”. As a result, devotees who are devoid of their darshan of the Lord are now flocking to the Alarnath temple at Brahmagiri village close to Puri.

Like every year, thousands of visitors to the 13th century shrine not only gather to get a view of the presiding deity but also get a taste of the famous khiri (rice porridge) here.

Known for its unique idol of a four-armed standing Vishnu made of black chlorite, the Alarnath temple has become the spot to visit during the hibernation or anasara of the sibling trio of Jagannath temple who are said to fall sick after a lavish bath on Debasnana Purnima.

Since the deities are treated in secret, the pedestal of the sanctum sanctorum is now devoid of the idols. Residents of Brahmagiri believe that the Alarnath temple became the devotional destination during this period ever since saint Chaitnaya visited it since he missed the view of Lord Jagannath in Puri during anasara.

“Devotees get the same spiritual joy here that they get while worshipping Lord Jagannath in Puri. This belief was spread by Chaitanya when he visited this temple in the 16th century,” said a researcher on the temple, Nilamani Suar.

The temple is believed to be named after the Alwar royal dynasty of Rajasthan.

It is believed that the shrine was established by one of the Alwar rulers. Hence, it has been named as Alwarnath or Alarnath. The khiri prepared here that is in high demand throughout the year also has an interesting legend behind it.

“Legend has it that once while the then temple priest had forgotten to offer the khiri to the deity even after cooking it, the dish that was kept covered was opened and tasted by the deity. The khiri drops were seen on the idol’s face,” said Pradip Satpathy, a local resident. A long queue of pilgrims stretching up to a few kilometres is seen outside the Alarnath temple during this period — the fortnight before rath yatra until when the Puri deities are in hibernation. This also becomes the most-awaited period of the year for the khiri sellers of the temple who make brisk business.

“From eating here to ordering takeaways, visitors are sure to opt for the dish. Though popular throughout the year, with footfall as high as a couple of lakhs everyday, this fortnight brings us good business,” said a khiri trader of the temple.