Toshali Sands

Sakhigopal

Sakhigopal is famous for the temples of RadhaKrishna and Ram, Laxman and Sita. Lord Sri Krishna is the presiding deity of this temple. The stone image of Lord Gopinath alias Gopal was at Kanchi which was later on brought by King Purusottam to Orissa and consecrated at Sakhigopal. A great fair is annually held here on the Anla Nabami day in the month of Kartika. The feet of Goddess Radha which almost remain covered throughout the year are kept open to general view on this day alone.

This religious place is only 45 kms from Bhubaneswar and 15 kms. to Puri. There is an interesting legend about Gopal’s sojourn. The legend relates that when ‘Gopal’ came to dispute between two Brahmins stayed here as one of the Brah”,’ for whom he was coming to test if’ as witness broke his promise looked back.

Sakhigopal- Diety - the image of Krishna is seen in the temple of Sakhi Gopal ,at Satyabadi in Puri district - a place of worship.

At a distance of 22 Km from Puri on the National Highway 203 ahead of Chandanpur. Sakhigopal otherwise known as Satyabadi is famous for the Shrine of Lord Krishna. Although the Temple was built during the 19th century, the legend is very strong. It is said that the Krishna image was brought here by King Prataprudra Deva after his victory over Kanchi (South India). The life size image is standing with flute and Radha is also standing on the left side. The images are very beautiful and impressive. The Temple is just like a miniature temple of Lord Jagannath. Sakhigopal is also important as it was one of the educational centres during the 19th and early part of the 20th century A.D.) is still lying just behind the Sakhigopal Temple. Here, also one can visit adjoining areas, those inquisitive visitors interested in Temples and rural culture. The areas like Biswanath Hill for Biswanath Siva on the top of the hill, near Delanga which is 15 Km away from Sakhigopal. There is another village known as Barala (11 Km) famous for Balunkeswar Siva temple, which has a unique design with sanctum, Jagamohana and Natamandap. The premises have about 25 small shrines which enshires a host of images of Durga, Khshetrapala, Vairabi Annapurna, Ardhanariswara, Damodara, Gopal, Narasimha, Ambika, and Parswanath (Jain) images.