The Sakhigopal Temple is located 20 km from Puri on the way to Bhubaneswar. The life-size image of Lord Krishna here is known as Sakhigopal, and the temple is formally called Satyabadi Gopinatha Temple. According to historical references, Lord Gopal is an incarnation of Lord Krishna. It is believed that Gopal came from Vrindavan to bear witness in a dispute between two Brahmins and chose to remain in a beautiful grove of Bakul and Chhuriana trees at Sakhigopal.
The main festivals of the temple are Anla Nabami, Dolapurnima, Chandan Yatra, and Kartika Purnami. A school was founded by Utkalmani Pandit Gopabandhu Das here, which reminds us of the spirit of the freedom movement in India and the past deeds of the youth of the time. It is the most famous spot in Odisha for coconut production. Sakhigopal Mandir is one of the famous temples in the Puri District.
History of Sakhigopal Temple
According to mythology, a young, poor Brahmin was denied marriage to the daughter of a wealthy headman. Lord Krishna (Gopal) agreed to accompany the Brahmin from Vrindavan as a witness—but only on the condition that the Brahmin never looked back during the journey. When the Brahmin eventually turned around, Krishna became fixed in stone near Satyabadi, and a temple was built at that spot. The idol is believed to be one of sixteen carved by King Vajranabh, Krishna’s great-grandson, from imperishable Braja stone to spread Krishna’s presence beyond Mathura and Vrindavan. Initially, only Krishna was worshipped. Later, a girl claiming to be an incarnation of Radha led to the installation of a Radha idol. When she was dressed in a traditional Odia sari, her feet became visible—a revered sign—and the temple began celebrating Anla Navami, allowing devotees to touch Radha’s feet on that day. Visit during Anla Navami (in the month of Kartika) for the unique Radha Pad Darshan experience—if you are comfortable with large crowds.
Other Services
Destination Attractions, Destination Facilities, Transportation, Accessibility, How to Reach
