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It is said that a poor young man of the village, later named Sakhigopal, fell in love with the daughter of the village headman. However, being of a higher economic status, the headman opposed the marriage between this young man and his daughter. 

The villagers, including the headman and the young man, went on a pilgrimage to Kashi.  The village headman fell ill and was abandoned by his fellow villagers. The young man tended to him so well that he soon got well and, in gratitude, promised his daughter in marriage to the young man. 

As soon as they returned to the village, the headman went back on his promise, asking the young man to produce a witness in support of his claim. 

Lord Gopal, impressed by the young man's devotion, agreed to come and bear witness to the promise on one condition: that the young man lead the way and he would follow, but the young man must never look back. 

He led the way to the village, passing a mound of sand. As they passed, the man could not hear the Lord's footsteps and turned back. Immediately, the Lord turned into a statue of stone rooted to the spot. 

The villagers were still so impressed that God himself came to back the young man's claim that the youngsters were married; they were later appointed as the first priests of the temple built in Lord Gopal's honor who came to bear witness (Sakshi in Sanskrit).

The food offerings at Sakhigopala temple are made of wheat instead of rice. 

There is also a Deity of Radharani, Lord Krishna’s eternal consort, to the left of Gopala. 

It is said that the pilgrimage to Puri is not complete unless Sakshi-gopala is visited.

Sakhigopal is 20 Km from Puri.

Temple address: Lord Sakshi Gopal temple, Gopinath Temple Rd, Sakhigopal, Odisha 752014.