Puri, Odisha, October 13, 2025: The spiritually vibrant town of Sakhigopal, located near Puri in Odisha, is preparing to host thousands of devotees for the auspicious twin celebrations of Anla Navami and Bada Ekadashi. The highlight of the occasion will be the rare and revered Radha Pada Darshan, a sacred viewing of Goddess Radha’s feet, which takes place only once a year at the Satyabadi Gopinatha Temple.
The Unique Significance of Anla Navami
Also known as Akshaya Navami, Anla Navami falls on the ninth day of the Shukla Paksha during the holy month of Kartik in the Hindu calendar. It is a deeply revered festival in Odisha, especially for Vaishnavite devotees, and holds unique importance in Sakhigopal.
This is the only day of the year when devotees are allowed to see the feet of Goddess Radha, as the statue remains fully clothed for the rest of the year. The temple opens as early as 1 AM, with the Mangala Alati held at 1:30 AM, and the darshan continues till 11 PM.
According to local belief, witnessing Radha’s feet on this day is so sacred that it can grant moksha (salvation).
The Legend Behind Radha Pada Darshan
The origins of this unique darshan lie in a local legend. It is believed that a statue of Goddess Radha, brought from North India, was installed next to Lord Gopinatha (a form of Krishna). When the goddess was dressed in the traditional Odiani saree—a special Odia-style drape—her feet became visible. This was taken as a divine sign, and since then, the Radha Pada Darshan has become a hallmark of the Anla Navami celebrations.
On this day, Goddess Radha is adorned in a ‘Kachha’ style attire as part of the Odiani Besha, while Lord Krishna dons the Natabara Besha, resembling a celestial dancer.
Amla Tree Worship & Rituals
Anla Navami is not just about temple rituals. It is also a celebration of nature and sacred trees. Devotees perform worship rituals under the Indian gooseberry tree (amla), which is considered the abode of all gods and goddesses on this day.
Many women cook meals under the tree, offer food to the gods, and perform charitable acts—believing that doing so will purify sins and ensure divine blessings for their families.
Bada Ekadashi – Devotthan Utsav
Just days after Anla Navami, the town will observe Bada Ekadashi, also known as Devotthan Ekadashi, which holds deep spiritual meaning. It marks the end of Chaturmas, the four-month period when Lord Vishnu is believed to be in deep sleep. His awakening is seen as a sign of renewed prosperity, peace, and auspicious beginnings.
As the Kartik month is considered one of the holiest in Hinduism, these festivals are part of a larger spiritual observance that sees devotees engage in prayer, fasting, and acts of devotion throughout the month.
Preparations & Crowd Management
With a huge influx of devotees expected, local authorities have been actively coordinating to ensure the smooth running of the festivals. Puri SP Prateek Singh recently visited the site and reviewed arrangements for:
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Crowd control and darshan flow
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Security and traffic diversion plans
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Emergency services and fire safety
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Public amenities like drinking water and electricity
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Designated parking areas and mela grounds
The entry will be allowed through the Singhadwara (Lion’s Gate), with a circular darshan route that ends at the Uttara Dwara (North Gate), ensuring seamless movement for thousands of pilgrims.
A Cultural & Agricultural Showcase
Beyond the spiritual essence, Sakhigopal’s rich agricultural heritage will also be on display. Known for its horticulture and specialty crops, the town will showcase innovative farming practices and local produce during the festivities.
The famous Panchasakha Mela, cultural programs, and devotional music will add to the celebratory atmosphere, making it not just a religious event, but a cultural and community gathering as well.
Satyabadi Gopinatha Temple
The Satyabadi Gopinatha Temple, where these events are held, is an architectural marvel built in the Kalinga style. Dedicated to Lord Gopinatha (Krishna) and Radha, the temple is a spiritual landmark of Odisha.
Unlike most Vishnu temples where rice is the staple offering, here the deity is uniquely offered food made from wheat, signifying the temple’s distinct local traditions.
Anla Navami and Bada Ekadashi at Sakhigopal are more than religious observances—they are a powerful reminder of Odisha’s living traditions, spiritual resilience, and community unity.
Whether you’re a pilgrim, a culture enthusiast, or a traveller seeking meaning, these festivals offer a profound glimpse into the spiritual soul of Odisha.