Sakshi Gopal

Mahindra and Vasanti want to marry. But Mahindra is only a poor orphan, and Sukhvir, the richest man in the village, wants to marry Vasanti too. During a pilgrimage to a temple of Krishna, Vasanti's father, Raghav, realises Mahindra's qualities of loyalty and integrity and asks him to become his son-in-law. Mahindra is overjoyed but his happiness is shattered when Raghav, swayed by Sukhvir's wealth, breaks his promise. Mahindra calls the village council but no one believes him. In despair, he prays to Lord Gopal to bear witness to Raghav's promise.This is a folktale from Orissa where the Sakshi Gopal temple, in Puri, marks the occasion when Gopal stood witness (Sakshi) so Mahindra and Vasanti could marry.