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Time of India

Devotees throng Khira Chora Gopinath temple

1 2 3 4 Balasore: Janmashtami was celebrated at the famous Khirachora Gopinath Temple in Remuna, Balasore district, on Saturday. Steeped in legend, the temple is one of the most prominent Vaishnav shrines in Odisha. Nando Utsav will be celebrated on Sunday. According to temple tradition, the deity earned the name Khirachora Gopinath (Gopinath, the thief of milk pudding) centuries ago when Lord Krishna, moved by the longing of his ardent devotee Madhavendra Puri, secretly kept aside a portion of the famous khira bhoga (milk pudding) and delivered it to him through the temple priest. Since then, the temple has become a centre of faith and pilgrimage, drawing devotees from across the country. Constructed during the reign of King Langula Narasinghadeva of the Ganga dynasty, the shrine houses three deities—Madan Mohan, Govinda, and Gopinath. The absence of Goddess Radha here is linked to ancient lore, and priests say this makes the temple unique in its traditions. Each day, nearly 300 to 400 litres of milk are brought from nearby villages to prepare the celebrated "amrutakeli" (sweetened condensed milk offering) using traditional wooden stoves. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The prasad, famed for its purity, is served in earthen pots and distributed among devotees. Pilgrims from far and wide throng Remuna. "This is my first visit with my family from Kolkata. On Janmashtami, we feel truly blessed to have the darshan of Lord Gopinath," said Gouranga Pal, a devotee from Kolkata. Another devotee, Triptirekha Mohanty from Keonjhar, who has been visiting for two years, said "The temple radiates immense spiritual energy. Whatever we pray for, Lord Gopinath listens." Temple sevayat (priest) Jayanta Kumar Baral narrated the ancient story connecting Lord Rama to the shrine. "During his exile, when goddess Sita asked about his next incarnation, Lord Rama drew the image of Khirachora Gopinath," he said. Executive officer Prashant Mahapatra said the rituals would continue until late in the night. "Special pujas are being performed. Devotees believe that darshan of the three deities here —Madan Mohan, Govinda, and Gopinath —completes the spiritual experience," he said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.