Khirchora Gopinath Temple

 The Khirachora Gopinatha Temple is a revered Hindu shrine located in Remuna, a small town near Balasore in Odisha, India. The name “Khirachora” translates to “Stealer of Sweet Rice,” referring to a divine pastime of Lord Krishna.

🕉️ Legend of Khirachora Gopinatha

Over 500 years ago, the saint Madhavendra Puri was traveling to Puri to procure sandalwood for his deity, Gopala, in Vrindavana. Upon reaching Remuna, he was captivated by the beauty of the Gopinatha deity. Curious about the offerings made to the deity, he inquired with a local priest and learned that sweetened condensed milk, known as amrta keli, was offered to Gopinatha in twelve earthen pots each evening. Desiring to taste this offering, Madhavendra Puri repented upon realizing his desire before the offering was made. That night, Gopinatha appeared in the priest’s dream, instructing him to give a pot of the sweet rice to Madhavendra Puri. The next morning, the priest fulfilled this divine command, and Madhavendra Puri joyfully accepted the offering, which led to the deity being named Khirachora Gopinatha—the Lord who stole sweet rice for His devotee .

🏛️ Temple History and Significance

The temple is believed to have been established during the reign of King Langula Narasingha Deva in the 13th century. It enshrines the deities Gopinatha, Govinda, and Madana Mohana. Notably, the temple lacks an idol of Goddess Radha, which adds to its unique heritage .

The temple’s association with the legend of Lord Krishna stealing sweet rice has made it a significant pilgrimage site for devotees, especially those following the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition.

🍚 Amrta Keli Prasadam

A distinctive feature of the temple is the preparation of amrta keli, the sweetened condensed milk offered to Gopinatha. Daily, 300–400 liters of milk from nearby villages are used to prepare this renowned prasad, cooked on traditional wooden stoves and served in earthen pots. Devotees from across India visit the temple to taste this divine offering .

🎉 Festivals and Celebrations

The temple observes several grand festivals, including Janmashtami, Nanda Utsav, Akshaya Tritiya, Ram Navami, Ekadashi, Jagannath Rathyatra, Diwali, Tulsi Vivah, and Manabasa Thursday. During Janmashtami, thousands of devotees gather for the festivities, which continue with the Nanda Utsav the following day .

📍 Visiting the Temple

The Khirachora Gopinatha Temple is located approximately 9 km from the nearest railway station, Balasore, making it accessible for pilgrims traveling by train. The temple’s serene atmosphere and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for devotees and tourists alike .

For more information and updates on events, you can visit the official website of the temple: [