By admin 
Title
Stone to Stories: The Legacy of Gopinath Temple
Author
Mr. Abinash Patra
Lecturer in History
Jaleswar Women’s College
Jaleswar, Balasore
ABSTRACT
The Khirachora Gopinath Temple of Remuna, Balasore, represents a unique confluence of religious devotion, historical tradition, and architectural excellence in medieval Odisha. This paper explores how stone—both as a material and metaphor—plays a central role in shaping the temple’s narrative identity. The temple’s origin is associated with King Langula Narasingha Deba of the 13th century and enriched by legends linking the idol to Lord Rama and Maa Sita, highlighting its spiritual significance. The temple’s name, “Khirachora” (the stealer of milk and rice pudding), reflects the personal relationship between the deity and devotees, symbolizing divine compassion and playfulness. Architecturally, the temple exemplifies the rekha deul style with refined stone masonry, intricate carvings, and Vaishnavite iconography. Archaeological perspectives underscore its historical importance and preservation challenges posed by environmental factors, while also noting its relative immunity from invasions. The study emphasizes the temple’s role as a custodian of Odisha’s cultural heritage and calls for sustained conservation and research efforts to safeguard its legacy.
Keywords
Khirachora Gopinath Temple, Odisha, Medieval Architecture, Stone Carving, Rekha Deul Style, Religious Heritage, King Langula Narasingha Deba, Mythological Narratives, Preservation, Cultural Legacy