Gopinath Temple

Kshira Chora Gopinath Temple is located about 9 kilometers east of Balasore in Remuna. The Gopinath temple of Orissa is said to be carved by Lord Rama. It is also believed that Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, worshiped the titular deity in Chitrakoot. King Langula Narasingha Dev is said to have brought this deity from Chitrakoot to Remuna in the 13th century.

The titular deity of the temple is known as 'kshira chora' because he is said to steal sweet-rice and hide it in order to deliver it to his devotees. The devotees, as well as the tourists coming to the Gopinath Temple at Orissa can also buy the 'kshira', which is a preparation of milk, cream and sugar sprinkled with raisins. The 'kshira' is sold around the temple in earthen pots of various sizes.

The original Gopinath Temple in Orissa was destroyed by the Muslim invasions. The temple was renovated by the Rasikananda. Rasikananda is said to have found the idol of the deity in a pond, situated about 4 kilometers from the temple. The idol of Gopinath was hidden in the pond in order to protect it from any harm.

The Chandan yatra and Aksaya tritiya calls for a lot of enthusiasm in the temple. During Chandan yatra, the three deities of the temple, namely Madana Mohan, Gopinath and Govinda are smeared with sandalwood pulp. The priests of the temple apply sandalwood paste on the chest of the deities during Chandan yatra. On the Aksaya tritiya, the deities are completely besmeared with sandalwood.