Sakhigopal: The much-awaited festival of ‘Radha Pada Darshan’ was celebrated amid huge fervour across the state Saturday.
The bona fide destination of this festival is Sakhigopal temple, which is formally known as Satyabadi temple, in Puri. The idol of Maa Radha, the presiding deity of the temple, is decorated in true ‘Odiyani Besha’ (style). Her lotus feet is made visible so that visiting devotes can experience a proper ‘darshan’. People from all over Odisha and nearby states had come here to take part in the festivals.
Orissa Post interacted with temple officials, local people and the main priest to delve deeper into the subject.
Kanhu Charan Mohapatra, a senior priest of the temple, said, “Once the Astashakti friends of Lord Krishna asked him the reason why you loved Radha as she was the daughter of a lowly cattle breeder whereas, they were the daughters of King, sages, temple priests. They were from much more affluent families. Lord Krishna had said that time will answer their queries. Later, Lord Krishna fell seriously ill and asked the chief Baida to collect the feet dust of AstaSakhi which would cure him. Fearing the consequences of such an action, they denied whereas, Radha gave her feet dust immediately as her only concern was the well-being of Lord Krishna. Thus, Lord Krishna answered the queries of his friend without uttering a word.”
Executive Officer of Sakhigopal temple Kailash Chandra Mishra said, “It is believed that we can attain salvation through Radha Pada Darshan. Radharani’s feet are kept covered throughout the year. However, on Anla Navami, one can get view her sacred lotus feet. We are expecting a footfall of around three lakh this year.”
Shantilata Mohanty, a local resident, said, “It’s the only time of the year when one gets to see Radha’s lotus feet. The Amla tree is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Krishna and Maa Radha. Married women offer conches, red bangles, sacred threads, vermilion and diyas for the well-being of their partners.”
The temple will remain open from 6 AM to 12 PM. Adequate steps have been taken by the state government to ensure proper darshan by the devotees. Supervisor of the temple Viswanath Mohapatra said, “The offerings for Sakshigopal Mahaprabhu are unique as he loves dry food like Sarapuli, Khurma, Saragaja, Laddu, Dalimba, Kakara, Keli, Sara, Makhan and Khali Roti prepared from wheat and fruits.
Seva Niyog member Dibakar Mohapatra said, “Volunteer groups are working round the clock for the facilitation of the devotees, who have come from almost all regions of the state. Free prasad, butter milk, lemonade, biscuits and clean water are provided to them. We even provide liquid food for infants. We have built barricades to ensure that people don’t break the queue during the time of darshan. Ambulances, fire brigade and, scout and guides are on duty to prevent any untoward incident.”
With 80,000 devotees flocking to witness this sacred festival, the ancient town of Sakhigopal has turned into a congregation of people who wish salvation through darshan of Radha’s lotus feet.
Chaitali Shome, OP