Khirachora Gopinatha Temple, Remuna, Odisha

Introduction to Khirachora Gopinatha Temple

The Khirachora Gopinatha Temple is a beautiful pilgrimage spot in the small town of Remuna. Remuna Gupta Vrindaban is another name for the temple. 'Remuna' has emerged from the word 'Ramaniya,' which means 'good-looking'. In Odia, "Khirachora" denotes one who steals milk, and Gopinatha refers to the consort of the Gopis. Sri Gopinatha, an incarnation of Krishna, is the temple's presiding deity.

The History of Khirachora Gopinatha Temple

The story dates back to 500 years. Once, Madhavendra Puri was going to Puri to get some scented sandalwood for his deity Sri Gopal of Vrindavana. He stopped in Gopinatha at Remuna and felt happy to see his deity there. Seeing Gopinatha's beauty, he started to dance in front of him. He asked the priest about the offerings to the deity, as he planned to offer the same to Sri Gopal of Vrindavana. The priest informed him that sweet rice in twelve earthen pots was offered to the deity, and its name was Amrita Keli. It was otherwise popularly known as Gopinath-ksheer.

When the priest was talking to Madhavendra Puri, he thought of tasting the ksheer. But then he felt that it was wrong of him to want a taste of the ksheer before it was offered to the deity. So, he left the place.
When the priest was sleeping, Gopinatha appeared in his dream. He told the priest to give the ksheer hidden under his garments by the deity himself. As per his instruction, the priest took it to Madhavendra Puri. The priest told Madhavendra Puri that Sri Gopinatha had stolen the ksheer for him. This is how the deity received the name Kshira Chora Gopinatha. 'Kshira' means 'condensed milk', and 'Chora' means 'thief'.
Madhavendra Puri established an ashram and stayed there for some time. Even today, priests worship the sandalwood bought by Madhavendra Puri.

The Architecture of Khirachora Gopinatha Temple

The Khirachora Gopinatha Temple features the typical Kalinga style of architecture. King Narasingha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty built the temple during the 13th century. Its unique carvings, beautiful sculptures, and elaborate design attract tourists. The temple building and sculptures are colorful. Gopinatha's life story is well described in the paintings here.

The main temple structure is rectangular and has three tiers, each tier smaller than the one below it. Gopinatha is flanked by Sri Madana Mohana and Sri Govinda and is made of black stone. Three of them are in a standing posture. A devotee named Chaitanya Dasa Babaji brought Govinda and Madana Mohana idols from Vrindavana in 1938. Sri Radha-Rasbihari and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu have separate altars beside the presiding deity. The Khirachora Gopinatha Temple also has several smaller shrines and a large courtyard.
It is said that Sri Rama carved Gopinatha with his arrow, and Sita worshipped this deity in Chitrakut. The King of Utkala, Langula Narasingha Deva I, brought Gopinatha to Remuna in the 13th century from Chitrakuta. He arranged the digging of the two big tanks, Bajra Pokhari and Kutapokhari.

Festivals in Khirachora Gopinatha Temple

The evening Arati at the Khirachora Gopinatha Temple is spectacular. Ram Navami, Ekadashi, Janmashtami, Jagannath Rathyatra, Diwali, Tulsi Vivah, and Manbasa Thursday are the grand festivals in the temple.