Sakshigopal Temple

Sakshigopal Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Gopal (Krishna) located in Sakhigopal, about 20 km from Puri in Puri district, Odisha. Built in Kalinga architectural style, it enshrines a life-size black granite image of Lord Krishna. The temple is notable for its legend of the deity as Sakshi (witness) and its historical association with the 15th-century Gajapati King Purushottama Deva who brought the image from Vijayanagara.

Visitors can expect a traditional Kalinga-style temple complex with a curvilinear vimana, pillared mandapa and enclosed courtyard. Inside the sanctum is the standing black granite idol of Lord Gopal with Radha. The temple is active with daily pujas, aartis and bhog offerings. The surroundings include temple shops, prasad counters and a small market town. The atmosphere is devotional with pilgrims, chanting and ritual activity throughout the day.

The temple is associated with Gajapati King Purushottama Deva (15th century) who is said to have brought the image of Gopal from Vidyanagara (Vijayanagara) after his Kanchi expedition. The image was first kept at Cuttack and later moved to Sakhigopal. The present temple structure exhibits Kalinga architecture and was developed as a major Vaishnavite centre linked to the Jagannath tradition of Puri.

The temple is revered as Sakshi Gopal, where Lord Krishna is worshipped as the divine witness to a devotee's vow, a legend popular in Vaishnavism. It is an important pilgrimage site for followers of Jagannath culture and is visited by pilgrims travelling to Puri. The annual Anla Navami festival, when devotees can see the deity's feet, holds special religious importance.