Bhubaneswar: Thousands of devotees from Odisha and beyond flocked to the revered Gopinath Temple at Sakhigopal in Puri district to have a glimpse of Goddess Radha’s feet, known as Radha Pada Darshan on Anla Navami. The darshan is believed to grant salvation.
Devotees eagerly gathered outside the temple from early morning in a serpentine queues. Inside the temple, Goddess Radha was adorned in traditional Odiani Besha, with her lotus feet visible, while Lord Krishna known as Lord Gopinath donned the Natabar Besha.
On this auspicious day, devotees get a rare privilege to have glimpse of Goddess Radha’s sacred feet, which remain covered for the rest of the year.
To ensure a hassle-free darshan, the Puri district administration made extensive arrangements. Barricades have been erected for orderly queues to control crowds. Adequate drinking water and parking facilities have been made.
As many as 20 platoons of police forces and around 50 additional officers have been deployed to maintain discipline.
The temple opened at 1:00 AM, with Mangala Alati at 1:30 AM, followed by the dressing of Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna. Temple staff and sevayats had the first glimpse at 5:00 AM followed by general public. The Radha Pada Darshan will continue till 11:00 PM.
