In the picturesque village of Sakhigopala, where tales of love and faith intertwined, a story blossomed that would be passed down through generations. This small village, surrounded by verdant fields, towering coconut trees swaying gently in the breeze, and the sweet scent of marigolds, was the stage for a love story touched by divine intervention.
Karthika, a vivacious young man with dreams larger than life but a simple living, was deeply smitten by the charm and grace of the village headman’s daughter. Their stolen glances spoke a language only their hearts understood. However, in a world bound by status and wealth, their love was a silent rebellion. The village headman, with his towering pride, could not fathom his precious daughter choosing Karthika as her life partner.
In those days, it was a cherished tradition in Odisha for villagers to embark on a pilgrimage, or “Tirtha jatra“, once annually. As the time neared, a journey to the sacred Vrindavan was planned for the villagers. This annual pilgrimage, considered a pathway to spiritual awakening, saw both the headman and Karthika among its devoted participants.
As the journey meandered through sacred landscapes, tragedy struck. The headman was seized by a fierce illness, rendering him weak and vulnerable. The very villagers who once sought his blessings now shunned him, fearing the illness would claim them next. Amidst this despair, Karthika stepped forward, nursing the ailing headman with unmatched dedication.
As the headman slowly recuperated under Karthika’s diligent care, gratitude overwhelmed him. Under a sky lit by countless stars, he vowed to unite Karthika with his daughter.
Once the villagers returned from their annual pilgrimage, Karthika approached the headman’s residence with the marriage proposal. However, the headman flatly denied ever making such a commitment. He challenged Karthika, asking if he could produce any witnesses to verify his claim. The other villagers, not having been present at that moment, remained silent. With grief and conviction in his voice, Karthika responded, “Lord Gopala, who sees all, is my witness.” In a tone dripping with sarcasm, the headman retorted, “Then bring your Lord Gopala to testify on your behalf.“
Heartbroken and dejected, Karthika retreated to his home. In his profound sadness, he fervently prayed to Lord Gopala, seeking guidance and assistance. Touched by the sincerity of Karthika’s pleas, Lord Gopala graced his dreams that night. He assured Karthika, “I will accompany you and bear witness to the promise the headman made, acknowledging your care for him and his commitment to offer his daughter’s hand in marriage to you. However, there’s one condition: you will walk ahead, and I shall follow. Once I have testified on your behalf in the village, I will disappear. But remember, you must not, at any point, look back to check if I am trailing behind you.“
The village was surrounded by sand dunes. As Lord Gopala walked right behind him, the gentle tinkling of his anklets filled the air.
As they journeyed, bathed in divine aura, Karthika’s faith was tested. As they traversed the shifting sands of the dunes and neared a shimmering mound, the melodious sound of the Lord’s anklets grew distant. Doubt clouded Karthika’s heart, and in a moment of weakness, he turned, only to find Lord Gopala transformed into a grand stone statue.
Karthika broke down, tears streaming down his face, lamenting his momentary lapse in faith and his impulsive act. As he cried over his foolishness, the villagers, drawn by the unusual occurrence, approached. They beheld the divine statue, majestic and serene, standing tall amidst them. The tale of Lord Gopala’s promise and Karthika’s test of faith quickly spread through the gathered crowd.
The divine spectacle left the villagers in awe. The very deity they worshipped had manifested for Karthika’s sake. Overwhelmed by the sheer weight of the divine act, the headman recognized his misjudgment and honored his word. The entire village rejoiced as Karthika and the headman’s daughter were united in matrimony.
In reverence to this miraculous event, a grand temple was erected at the very spot where the deity stood as the eternal witness. Karthika and the headman’s daughter were bestowed with the honor of serving as its first priests. Sakshigopala was no longer just a name of a village; it became a living legend of undying love, unwavering faith, and the deity who bore witness – the eternal Sakhi.
