Kheer draws devotees to Alarnath

PURI: With the doors of Puri Jagannath temple closed for a fortnight, devotees are flocking to Alarnath at Brahmagiri temple, 23 km from here, for darshan and to partake of the famous ‘kheer’ bhog. As per customs, the Trinity reclined to sick room, ‘Anasar Ghara’ after the holy bath on Snana Purnima. It is believed that the Lord Jagannath manifests as Alarnath during these 15 days.The special delicacy ‘kheer’ is considered as ‘Amrit’ and devotees jostle for the bhog.The ‘kheer’ is prepared in buffalo milk and blended with other ingredients and flavour. Over 10,000 litres of milk is used everyday to meet the ever increasing demand among the devotees. This year the temple management had taken a few steps to make the fortnight more colourful. Darshan continues late into the night everyday. Noted bhajan singers present new compositions dedicated to Alarnath.