Gundicha Devi Temple, Puri – The Sacred Destination of Ratha Yatra

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The Gundicha Temple is a significant temple located in Puri, Odisha. It is closely associated with the Jagannath Rath Yatra, serving as the destination where Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra stay for seven days during the annual festival.

Significance

  • The temple is known as the "Garden House of Jagannath", as it is surrounded by lush greenery.
  • It is believed to be the aunt’s house of Lord Jagannath, where he visits during the Rath Yatra.
  • The temple remains vacant for most of the year, except during the Rath Yatra, when the deities reside here.

Architecture

  • Built in Kalinga style, the temple is made of light-grey sandstone.
  • It consists of four main sections:
    • Vimana (sanctum)
    • Jagamohana (assembly hall)
    • Nata Mandapa (festival hall)
    • Bhoga Mandapa (hall of offerings)
  • The temple has two gates:
    • Western Gate – Used for the entry of deities during Rath Yatra.
    • Eastern Gate (Nakachana Gate) – Used for their departure.

Deities

  • Main Deities: Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra.
  • Other Deities: Sudarshana Chakra, worshipped alongside the main deities.

Rituals

  • Gundicha Marjana: A sacred cleaning ritual performed before the arrival of Lord Jagannath, symbolizing purification.
  • Hera Panchami: A unique ritual where Goddess Lakshmi visits the temple in search of Lord Jagannath.
  • Dakshina Moda: The turning of the chariots towards the Jagannath Temple, marking the return journey.
  • Sandhya Darshan & Mahaprasad: Special evening prayers and distribution of sacred food offerings.

Festivals

  • Rath Yatra (June-July): The grand chariot festival where Lord Jagannath travels from the main temple to Gundicha Temple.
  • Bahuda Yatra: The return journey of the deities to the Jagannath Temple.
  • Rasa Lila: A devotional celebration honoring Lord Krishna.

Beliefs

  • The temple is considered Lord Jagannath’s Garden House, where he enjoys a retreat during Rath Yatra.
  • Devotees believe that witnessing both Rath Yatra and Bahuda Yatra brings immense spiritual blessings.
  • The temple is named after Queen Gundicha, who is believed to have built it.

Temple Timings

6.00 am to 1.00 pm

4.00 pm to 9.00 pm

Getting Here

By Road

  • The temple is situated on Grand Road, about 3 km from Jagannath Temple.
  • You can take an auto-rickshaw or taxi from Jagannath Temple or Puri town.

By Train

  • The nearest railway station is Puri Railway Station, which is about 4 km away.
  • From the station, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi to reach the temple.

By Air

  • The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar, located about 60 km away.
  • You can take a cab or bus from Bhubaneswar to Puri.

Temples to Explore

Within Puri

  • Sri Nrusingha Temple – 200 meters away, dedicated to Lord Narasimha.
  • Sri Jagannath Temple – 3 km away, the main shrine of Lord Jagannath.
  • Chakra Theertha Temple – 2 km away, associated with Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra.
  • Sri Jambeswar Temple – 4 km away, a sacred Shiva temple.
  • Sri Markandeshwara Temple – 4 km away, believed to be linked to Sage Markandeya.
  • Sri Lokanatha Temple – 6 km away, another revered Shaivite temple.
  • Sri Sakshigopal Temple – 18 km away, famous for Lord Krishna’s divine testimony.

Beyond Puri

  • Konark Sun Temple – 34 km away, an architectural marvel dedicated to Surya, the Sun God.

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