Bhubaneswar: Thousands of devotees thronged the Sakshigopal Temple in Puri district to behold the glimpse of Radharani’s sacred feet on the auspicious occasion of Anla Navami. It is believed that a glimpse of Radharani’s feet on this day brings immense spiritual merit. The deity is dressed in the traditional Odiaṇī attire, adding to the festive atmosphere.
The temple witnessed a huge rush of devotees, who have been queuing up since early morning to have a darshan of the revered deity.
According to temple traditions, the temple authorities opened the doors at around 1 am, and the devotees began to make queue in for the darshan. The temple priests performed the Mangala Alati, Mailama, and other rituals before allowing the devotees to have a glimpse of the deity.
The administration has made elaborate arrangements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free darshan experience for the devotees. The Odiaṇī besha, a unique and rare attire worn by the deity once a year, has added to the excitement of the devotees.
On this auspicious day, Ommcom News delves into the profound significance of Anla Navami, a festival that embodies the divine love of Radha and Krishna, and explores the revered tradition of Radha Pada Darshan, a sacred ritual that connects devotees with the divine.
The Sacred Anla Tree: A Symbol of Divine Union
Anla Navami, observed on the ninth day of the bright fortnight of Kartik, is a celebration dedicated to the worship of the Anla tree, also known as the Indian gooseberry. This sacred tree is revered as the embodiment of the divine union of Radha and Krishna, making it a powerful symbol of spiritual love and devotion.
The Kartik Purana reveals the fascinating legend behind the Anla tree’s origin. Vrinda, a devoted servant of Lord Vishnu, was transformed into three holy plants upon her death: Malati, Tulasi, and Anla. These plants are particularly venerated during the month of Kartik, with the Anla tree symbolizing the sacred union of Radha and Krishna.
Overwhelmed by Vrinda’s loss, Lord Vishnu applied the ashes from Vrinda’s pyre to his body, prompting the deities to seek solace from Maa Parvati. With the blessings of Lakshmi and Saraswati, Maa Parvati gifted the deities the seeds of three sacred plants: Anla, Tulasi, and Malati. These seeds were planted at the site of Vrinda’s pyre, giving rise to the revered plants that would become a symbol of spiritual devotion. The plants were then sent to Vishnuloka as a divine tribute to Vrinda’s soul, cementing their sacred status.
Thus, the Anla tree holds a central position during Anla Navami.
The Sacred Ritual of Radha Pada Darshan: A Pathway to Liberation
Anla Navami is further enriched by the revered ritual of Radha Pada Darshan. This sacred darshan holds profound spiritual significance, symbolizing the journey towards moksha (liberation) and imparting blessings to those who partake in it. The act of worshipping Radha’s feet embodies a deep spiritual connection, representing surrender to the divine love and the relentless pursuit of union with the divine. Through this ritual, devotees seek to transcend the boundaries of the material world and merge with the eternal essence of the divine. During Radha Pada Darshan, Maa Radha is adorned in the Odiani Besha.
