The Gundicha Temple in Puri is a highly revered Hindu temple, most famous for being the destination of the annual Jagannath Rath Yatra. For your convenience, key information about the temple is summarized in the table below:
Aspect Details
Other Names Garden House of Jagannath, Aunt's House of Jagannath
Location Badashankha, Puri, Odisha, India
Distance from Jagannath Temple Approximately 3 kilometers, at the other end of the Bada Danda (Grand Avenue)
Architectural Style Kalinga (Deula style)
Key Structures Vimana (sanctum), Jagamohana (assembly hall), Nata-mandapa (festival hall), Bhoga-mandapa (hall of offerings)
Deities Occupied by idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra for 7 days during Rath Yatra; vacant for the rest of the year
Visiting Hours Approximately 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM (The temple may close for an hour in the afternoon, typically from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM)
Entry Fee Free
🏛️ Temple Characteristics and Significance
· Unique Feature: Unlike most temples, the Gundicha Temple remains empty for most of the year, coming to life only during the 9 days of the Rath Yatra festival when the deities reside here.
· The Sacred Platform: Inside the sanctum is a raised platform made of chlorite stone called the Ratnavedi, where the deities are placed during their stay. This spot is considered exceptionally holy.
· Mythological Significance: Several legends explain the temple's origin. The most popular one states that the temple is named after Queen Gundicha, the wife of King Indradyumna, who built the temple. Another legend describes Goddess Gundicha as a local deity, an aunt of Lord Jagannath, whom he visits annually.
🎉 The Rath Yatra Connection
The Gundicha Temple is the centerpiece of the world-famous Rath Yatra.
· The Journey to Gundicha: The festival begins when the deities are ceremoniously brought from the Jagannath Temple and travel on massive chariots to the Gundicha Temple.
· Week-Long Stay: The deities reside in the Gundicha Temple for seven days. During this time, various important rituals are performed, including Hera Panchami, where Goddess Lakshmi, Jagannath's consort, visits the temple.
· The Return Journey (Bahuda Yatra): After seven days, the deities make their return journey to the main temple. The deities exit the Gundicha Temple through the Nakachana Gate (eastern ga
· Best Time to Visit: The most spiritually vibrant time to visit is during the Rath Yatra (usually in June or July). This is the only time you can see the deities inside the temple.