Khirachora Gopinatha Temple
The Khirachora Gopinatha Temple, located in Remuna, Odisha, India, is a significant Vaishnavate shrine dedicated to Lord Gopinatha. The temple is named "Kshirachora," meaning "Stealer of condensed Milk," referencing a legend involving child Krishna and the devotional fervor of Madhavendra Puri. It is revered as one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram, sacred sites in the Vaishnavate tradition.
Key Facts
- ›The temple is dedicated to Lord Gopinatha, accompanied by Sri Govinda and Sri Madana Mohana.
- ›The primary deity, Gopinatha, is made of black stone and depicted in bas-relief.
- ›The temple's name, Khirachora Gopinatha, originates from a legend where the deity is said to have stolen condensed milk for a devotee.
- ›It is considered one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of the Vaishnavate tradition.
- ›King Langula Narasingha Deva of Utkala brought the deity to Remuna in the 13th century.
Gopinatha, Govinda, Madana Mohana
- Vaishnavate Tradition Pilgrimage Site
- Legendary Origin Story of Deity Stealing Milk For Devotee
Pandya Dynasty
Black Stone
King Langula Narasingha Deva
Lord Gopinatha In Bas-Relief
About Khirachora Gopinatha Temple
The Khirachora Gopinatha Temple, situated in Remuna, Odisha, India, is a revered Hindu temple within the Vaishnavate tradition. Its name, "Kshirachora," translates to "Stealer of condensed Milk," a title derived from a significant legend associated with the deity.
Deities and Mythology
The temple's principal deity is Lord Gopinatha, carved from black stone and depicted in bas-relief. He is accompanied by Sri Govinda and Sri Madana Mohana, who were brought from Vrindavana. The temple is celebrated as one of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram, sacred sites revered by devotees of Vishnu.
The name "Kshirachora" originates from a story involving the medieval saint Madhavendra Puri. While visiting the temple, Puri was deeply moved by the deity. Upon learning about the special sweetened condensed milk, known as "amrta keli" or "gopinatha-ksheer," offered to Gopinatha, he wished to offer something similar to his own deity. The legend recounts that Gopinatha, in response to Puri's devotion, stole a pot of condensed milk and instructed the priest to give it to Puri, thereby earning the name "Kshira Chora Gopinatha."
Historical Context
Historical records indicate that the deity of Gopinatha was brought to Remuna in the 13th century by King Langula Narasingha Deva of Utkala. This king is also credited with the excavation of two large tanks near the temple: Brajapokhari and Kutapokhari. The town of Remuna itself is named from "Ramaniya," meaning "very good-looking."
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of the name Khirachora Gopinatha?
The name "Kshirachora" translates to "Stealer of condensed Milk" in Odia, referring to a legend where the deity Gopinatha is said to have stolen condensed milk for the devotee Madhavendra Puri. "Gopinatha" itself means the Divine Consort of Gopis, referencing Lord Krishna.
Who is the primary deity worshipped at Khirachora Gopinatha Temple?
The primary deity worshipped is Lord Gopinatha, who is flanked by Sri Govinda and Sri Madana Mohana. The black stone idol of Gopinatha is in bas-relief, while Govinda and Madana Mohana are standing freely.
What is the origin of the legend behind the temple's name?
The legend states that Madhavendra Puri, a devotee, was overwhelmed by the beauty of Gopinatha. He expressed a desire to taste the sweetened condensed milk offered to the deity. Later, the temple priest dreamt that Gopinatha had stolen a pot of this milk and instructed him to give it to Madhavendra Puri, thus earning the name "Kshira Chora Gopinatha".
When was the deity Gopinatha brought to Remuna?
The deity Gopinatha was brought to Remuna in the 13th century by King Langula Narasingha Deva of Utkala. He reportedly brought the deity from Chitrakuta.
What is the significance of the 108 Abhimana Kshethram?
The Khirachora Gopinatha Temple is classified as one among the 108 Abhimana Kshethram, which are considered sacred pilgrimage sites within the Vaishnavate tradition. These sites are held in high regard by devotees of Vishnu.
Related Temples (Hindu)
Kapila Theertham
Kapila Theertham is a Shaivite temple located at the foot of the Tirumala hills in Andhra Pradesh, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, referred to as Kapileswara, and is believed to have been installed by Sage Kapila. It is situated at the entrance of a mountain cave, with a temple tank fed by a mountain stream, and holds significant religious importance for pilgrims.
Mahamaya Temple
The Mahamaya Temple, located in Ratanpur, Chhattisgarh, India, is a significant Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Durga and Mahalaksmi. It is recognized as one of the 52 Shakti Peethas and holds historical importance, with parts of the complex dating back to the 12th-13th centuries and a later structure built in 1492 CE.
Aundha Nagnath Temple
The Aundha Nagnath Temple, located in Hingoli district, Maharashtra, India, is revered as the eighth of the twelve Jyotirlinga shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. Its architecture uniquely blends Hemadpanti and Maratha styles, featuring a distinctive basement sanctum and a rear-facing Nandi pavilion, a testament to the legend of Sant Namdev. The temple is a significant heritage site, holding religious importance for Hindus and also a place of reverence in Sikhism due to its connection with Sant Namdev and a believed visit by Guru Nanak.