Khirachora Gopinath Temple Balasore
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Deity: Lord Shri Krishna Place: Balasore Odisha
Khirachora Gopinath Temple Balasore. Dedicated to Lord Shri Krishna. Located in Balasore.
- Primary Deity
- Lord Shri Krishna
- Architecture
- Kalinga architecture
- Built
- 12th century
- Builder
- King Anangabhima Deva III
- Entry Fee
- No entry fee for general darshan.
- Best Season
- October to March (Winter)
- Darshan Time
- 1-2 hours during peak times, shorter during off-peak hours.
- Dress Code
- Traditional and Formal clothing
- Address
- Available soon.
History
The temple is located in Remuna, a name derived from the word 'Ramaniya' which means beautiful. Its name 'Kshirachora' translates to 'Stealer of condensed Milk,' referring to the legend associated with the deity.
Spiritual Significance
The temple is a sacred site dedicated to Lord Krishna, known for its spiritual connection to the story of the deity stealing condensed milk (Kshira).
Spiritual Practices
Devotees engage in chanting the holy names of the Lord (japa), singing devotional songs (kirtan), listening to discourses on scriptures, and meditating on the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna.
Spiritual Experience
दर्शनार्थियों को यहाँ एक अत्यंत शांत और दिव्य वातावरण का अनुभव होता है। भगवान गोपीनाथ की छवि अत्यंत मनमोहक है और भक्तों को आध्यात्मिक आनंद की अनुभूति कराती है। संत माधवेन्द्र पुरी की भक्ति और भगवान की कृपा की कथाएँ इस स्थान की दिव्यता को और बढ़ाती हैं।
Darshan Timings
- 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM
- Timings may vary on festivals and special occasions.
How to Reach
- The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar, approximately 170 km away. From the airport, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Balasore.
- Balasore Railway Station (BSLE) is well-connected to major cities across India. The temple is about 5 km from the railway station.
- Balasore is connected by national highways. Regular bus services are available from Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and other major towns in Odisha.
- Nearest Airport: Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), Bhubaneswar (approx. 170 km)
- Nearest Railway: Balasore Railway Station (BSLE) (approx. 5 km)
- Nearest City: Balasore (5 km)
Major Festivals
- Diwali
- Holi
- Navratri
- Janmasthami
Sacred Mantras
- Usage: General Vishnu mantra, chanted for devotion and well-being.
Mantra: Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Meaning: I surrender to the Lord, the son of Vasudeva. - Usage: Specific mantra for Lord Krishna as Gopinath.
Mantra: Gopi Janavallabhaya Namaha
Meaning: Salutations to the beloved of the Gopis.
Special Puja
Daily puja includes Abhishekam, Alankaram, Naivedyam, and Aarti. Special pujas are performed on auspicious days like Janmashtami and Radhashtami.
Unique Rituals
- Name: Khira Bhoga
Timing: Daily, as part of the 'Naivedyam' (offering of food).
Description: A special offering of 'khira' (sweetened milk pudding) is made to the deity, commemorating the legend of Lord Krishna stealing milk.
Associated Legends
- Title: Madhavendra Puri and the Stolen Milk
Narrative: Legend has it that the great Vaishnava saint Madhavendra Puri was once performing austerities near this temple. He was suffering from intense heat and prayed to Lord Gopinath for relief. The Lord, moved by his devotion, appeared in the dream of the temple priest and instructed him to bring the sandalwood paste from the temple to anoint Madhavendra Puri. The next day, when the priest went to fetch the paste, he found that the Lord himself had already taken it. Later, Madhavendra Puri was thirsty and wished for milk. Lord Gopinath, in the form of a cowherd boy, brought him 'khira' (sweetened milk pudding). This is how the deity got the name 'Khirachora Gopinath' (Gopinath who stole milk). - Title: Lord Chaitanya's Visit
Narrative: It is believed that Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu visited this temple and had a profound spiritual experience here, further enhancing its sanctity.
What Devotees Pray For
- Problem: इच्छा पूर्ति
Practice: भक्त भगवान गोपीनाथ से अपनी मनोकामनाएं पूरी करने की प्रार्थना करते हैं। - Problem: समृद्धि और सुख
Practice: भगवान कृष्ण की कृपा से जीवन में समृद्धि और सुख की प्राप्ति हेतु पूजा-अर्चना करते हैं। - Problem: मोक्ष प्राप्ति
Practice: भक्ति मार्ग पर चलकर मोक्ष प्राप्ति की कामना करते हैं।
Miracles
The legend of Lord Krishna stealing milk for Madhavendra Puri is considered a divine miracle demonstrating the Lord's love for his devotees.
Mysteries
The exact age of the main deity and the origin of some ancient relics within the temple complex remain subjects of historical and archaeological interest.
Scriptural References
- Text: Brahma Vaivarta Purana
Context: Mentions the legend of Lord Krishna stealing milk. - Text: Gita Govinda
Context: Associated with Jayadeva's poetic descriptions of Krishna's love.