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Odisha Khirachora Gopinatha Temple
Khirachora Gopinatha Temple is situated in Remuna locality in Baleswar district in Orissa. Remuna is a small locality 9 km east of Baleswar district in Orissa, about halfway between Bhubaneswar and Howrah. The term "Remuna" is actually taken from the phrase "Ramaniya" which denotes good-looking. On the other hand, "Khirachora" in Oriya language denotes ‘stealer of milk’. Gopinatha signifies Divine Companion of Gopis. It must be noted that the reference is to kid Krishna's deep love for milk. Lord Gopinatha, surrounded by Sri Madana Mohana and Sri Govinda is made from black stone. Moreover, Gopinatha rests in bas-relief. Madan Mohan and Govinda, who were in fact brought from Vrindavana in 1938 by a particular disciple "Chaitanya Dasa Babaji", are resting freely. It is alleged that Lord Rama engraved Gopinath with arrow and goddess Sita worshiped this divinity in Chitrakuta.
The main idea during the period of vanvas was to demonstrate the next vigraha to Sita. Emperior Langula Deba of Utkal brought this divinity to Remuna in 13th century from the city of Chitrakuta. The emperor arranged to dig the two massive tanks, Kutapokhari and Brajapokhari. Some 500 years ago Emperor Madhavendra Puri was travelling to Puri to acquire some sandalwood for Sri Gopal divinity in Vrindavana. When Madhavendra Puri halted at Remuna and noticed Gopinath, his mind and heart were filled with joy and devotion.
History
When Emperor Madhavendra Puri saw the scrumptious khira offered to the idol, he wished to savor some so that he can offer the same Khira to Sri Gopala. He would only acknowledge food that was instinctively offered to him. He rarely asked anything. As he was not given any khira he left the shrine without tasting it. After completing the reverence to Gopinath the priest rested. Afterwards, in a dream Sri Gopinath asked him to wake up. Sri Gopinath instructed the priest to take the jar of khira (sweetened kheer) that he had concealed under his garments to offer it to Madhavendra Puri. In a moment, the priest got up, got the khira and offered it to Madhavendra Puri. The priest told Madhavendra Puri that Gopinath has hidden kheera. There is no lucky person like you. The deity obtained the term "Khira Chora Gopinatha" after this incident. Chora means robber and Kheera means milk. Travelers can easily get scrumptious khira here named as Amruta Keli. Gopinatha khira is actually a preparation of home-produced condensed milk, cream, sugar with a hint of raisins. It is generally served in earthen pots, which are individually savored by Lord Gopinatha.
How to Reach
By Road
Devotees and worshippers can easily reach Khirachora Gopinatha Temple by road. Khirachora Gopinath Temple is world famous. It is located at just 9km on eastern side from Balasore town. Travelers can easily reach there by train or bus availed to Balasore. Baleswar district is in between Kolkata and Bhubaneswar on NH-5.
By Rail
Balasore railway station is actually passed by all the major and minor trains. Tourists can also reach the temple from Bhubaneswar railway station. They can get taxis and even buses from Bhubaneswar railway station and Balasore railway station. Balasore railway station is properly connected with Bhubaneswar railway station.
By Air
You can easily reach Khirachora Gopinatha Temple from Biju Patnaik Airport located in Bhubaneswar. The airport receives daily flights from Hyderabad, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore and other big cities.
Significance Of The Temple
Pilgrims and devotees from all over the country visit the temple round the year. Neighboring residents explore the temple on every festival and occasion. Western ISKCON worshippers frequently visit the place. You can get delectable khira known as Amrut Keli here. The special preparation involves combination of homemade reduced milk, sugar, and whipped cream. The khira is also spread with raisins. It is generally eaten in earthen pots.
Weather And Time To Visit
October to March is the best season to visit Khirachora Gopinatha Temple. There is heavy rush of worshippers during this period. However, you should not visit the temple during summer season. April to June gets very hot and sultry.
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