Talk:Mahendra Deva and the Temple of Sākṣī Gopāla

By Vishal Agarwal

Several centuries ago, in a village in Odisha, there lived Rāghavayya and his wife Rādhābāī, along with their daughter Vāsantī. She was in love with Mahendra, a poor but noble-hearted young man of the same village. But Rāghavayya wished her to marry a wealthy man named Sukavīra.

One day, Rāghavayya and Sukavīra travelled to a nearby city for a temple festival. On the way, Rāghavayya was struck with smallpox, a contagious and often fatal disease. Sukavīra and the companions deserted him in fear.

As Rāghavayya suffered alone, Mahendra happened to pass by. Seeing the plight of his beloved’s father, Mahendra stayed back and nursed him with devotion until he recovered. Deeply moved, Rāghavayya promised to give Vāsantī in marriage to Mahendra.

But once back in the village, Rāghavayya forgot his promise when Sukavīra again proposed marriage. He accepted, ignoring Mahendra’s service and loyalty. Heartbroken, Mahendra appealed to the village elders, who demanded proof or witnesses of Rāghavayya’s promise.

With none present at that moment, Mahendra went to a Kṛṣṇa Mandir and wept bitterly. In his dream, Bhagavān Kṛṣṇa appeared and said: “Mahendra, your love is pure. Go tell the elders that I Myself will come as your witness. But promise Me this—you must not look back as I follow you. Walk in trust.”

The next morning, Mahendra joyfully set out. Behind him, he heard the jingling sound of anklets, as if Bhagavān was indeed following. Near the village, the sound suddenly stopped. Mahendra’s faith wavered and he turned back. There, instead of Kṛṣṇa in person, stood a beautiful and large mūrti of Him.

Mahendra hurried to the village and told everyone. The villagers rushed and saw the miraculous mūrti, which had appeared at the very spot. Awed by the divine witness, Rāghavayya confessed his guilt and gave Vāsantī in marriage to Mahendra.

A temple was built to house this sacred image, which became famous as the Sākṣī Gopāla Mandir (“Gopāla who is the Witness”). Even today, devotees visit this temple situated between the great holy cities of Puri and Bhubaneswar.

Message of the Story This episode teaches that Bhagavān is the eternal witness (sākṣī) to all our deeds, whether seen or unseen. For His truthful and faithful bhaktas, He goes out of the way to protect them. The only requirement is unshaken trust in Him.