The Antiquities of Orissa v2.c17.s1.376.1

v2.c17.s1.376.1

The sanctity and the name of the principal image are due to a romantic story given in *Caitanya Caritāmṛta* ( II. 5 ), and the *Bhaktamālā*. It is said that many centuries ago there lived in Vidyānagara, near Conjeveram, two poor Brahmans, who had gone on a tour to the northern provinces. After visiting Gayā, Beneras, Prayāga, &c. they riched Vṛndāvana, where they dwelt for a few days in the courtyard of the great temple of Gopāla. Of the two pilgrims, one was an elderly man and the other a youth. The latter was most assiduous in his service to his senior ; and the former, greatly pleased with it, said, ‘Since you have erved me more faithfully than a son, I shall bestow on you my daughter'. 'Say not so', replied the youth, 'you are Kulin of the highest rank and I am an illiterate poor youth with no claim to nobility : how can you give your daughter to me?' 'Promise to accept her, and I shall engage to give her to you', responded the senior. The youth said, 'If that be your wish, make the promise in the presence of Gopāla and I shall appeal to him as a witness should you hereafter fail'. The engagement was duly confirmed and the travellers returned home. But at Vidyānagara, the wife and the relatives of the senior Brahman strongly opposed the match and he had to evade his promise. He feigned forgetfulness and said that it was very unlikely that he had ever promised to throw away his daughter on so unworthy a person as the youth.