SAKHIGOAPAL TEMPLE
One of the sacred tourist destination of orissa, Sakhigopal (alternatively spelt as Sakhigopala) is a
village of historical importance which is situated 19 kms. north of Puri on the way to Bhubaneswar. It is the
most famous spot of Orissa for cocoanut industry. The singular national importance of the place is the
famous Sakhigopal temple. It is one of the top calibre krishna temple of the country. It is a saying that unless
Sakhigopal is visited the pilgrimage to Puri is not complete. There is a large influx of pilgrims on festive
days like Anla Nabami, Dolapurnima, Chandan Yatra, Kartika Purnami, etc. Sakhigopal means witness
Gopal.
HISTORY :There is very popular legend behind the name Sakhigopal. Two brahmins of Vidyanagar of south India
went Brindaban on piligrimage. There the elderly one fell ill and was attened very sincerely by the younger.
The elderly one promise the other keeping Lord Krishna as witness that on reaching their native place he
would offer his beautiful daughter to the younger in term of marriage. Unfortunatly when both of them
reached their native place the elderly one expressed evasive replies. The younger one was assured that due
to low status of brahmin caste he was misfit for his lovely daughter.Without delay he again went to
brindaban and worshipped Lord Krishna.However in the long run Krishna agreed but he told that the
brahmin would walk ahead and he would follow him,but the strict instruction was the brahmin should not
look back,otherwise he(Lord Krishna) would remain then and there.Lord assured that the brahmin would
hear the sound of Nupura(sweet sound producing bracelet used by dancers arround ankel).Lord followed the
brahmin to vidyanagar. On the way they were to cross the river Godavari.Due to sand the feet of Lord were
dipped and no sound from Nupura was heard.The brahmin was too restless and apprehensive to look
back.Lord stood on sand and did not move. The brahmin immediately ran to Vidyanagar and called the local
people in good numbers. all were stunned to see the statue of Lord Krishna of Brindaban.the elderly
brahmin repented and attested his promise by giving his daughter in marriage to the younger one. The local
king developed great devotion and constructed one temple then come there at the sopt and designated as
‘SAKHIGOPAL’.