Subarnapur, 16th Oct 2025: History tells us that the Gopaljew Temple was constructed during the reign of King Shobha Singh Deo (circa 1771–1786). In that era, the temple served as a royal court filled with the glow of devotion. However, much of its former glory has now been lost to the depths of time.
The temple once housed 12 sacred idols made of Ashtadhatu (an alloy of eight metals), which are now held in custody by the CBI treasury, causing deep sorrow among Vaishnava devotees.
> “Nayanena Pashyami Govindam, Hridaye Tu Se Nitya Base”
(I see Govinda with my eyes; yet He eternally dwells in my heart.)
The temple’s main festival is the Dolu Utsav (Festival of Colours) in the month of Phalguna, accompanied by other significant observances during Kartik and Magha months. The temple echoes with vibrant devotion during these three sacred times of the year for Vaishnavas.
In the royal era, grand feasts and assemblies were organized at this very temple. Devotees from far and wide came to offer prayers, calling out, “May Lord Gopaljew bless us.”
But today, with the fall of royal patronage, the situation resembles the saying:
> “The camphor has vanished, only ashes remain.”
The divine songs of the Gopis and the sweet melodies of devotion now resonate only in memory. Yet, the hope in the hearts of the devotees has not withered. They still pray and believe:
> The district administration will restore the sacred Ashtadhatu idols to the temple and revive the spiritual glory of Gopaljew in a new light of devotion.
> “Bhakti is the bridge between man and the Divine.
He who hears the name of Gopaljew with love, finds liberation in the heart.”
> “Yashodasuta Govinda, always protect me.
The one immersed in devotion through mind, speech, and action attains true liberation.”
Situated on the serene banks of the Mahanadi River, the town of Subarnapur (Sonepur) is a confluence of art and faith. At the heart of this spiritual and cultural landscape stands the ancient Gopaljew Temple—a sacred Vaishnavite site located in front of the now-ruined palace of the Subarnapur Gadajat dynasty. Even today, the fragrance of royal devotion lingers in the air around this holy site.
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