Around Puri · Krishna's temple of friendship
Sakhigopal Temple
A 13th-century Krishna temple with a striking standing idol and the Anla Navami festival when the deity's feet are revealed once a year.
History & legend
The standing Krishna idol here is said to have followed a devout Brahmin from Vrindavan as a 'witness' (sakhi) to a promise of marriage, hence the name Sakhi Gopal. Gajapati Purushottama Deva brought the idol to Odisha in the 15th century after his Kanchi campaign and enshrined it at Puri; it was later moved to this village of Satyabadi. The 16th-century Bengali chronicle Chaitanya Charitamrita records Chaitanya Mahaprabhu worshipping here. Every Anla Navami (Nov) the deity's feet — normally covered — are revealed to devotees.
Timings
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Best time to visit
Anla Navami (Nov) or mornings
Entry fee
Free
Approx. cab from Puri (one way)
₹1,500 · 20 km × ₹75/km
Don't miss
- Radha-Krishna idols
- Anla Navami festival
- Coconut-grove countryside
Local tip: Combine with Raghurajpur — both are on the same road.
On the map
