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Odisha

Gundicha Temple

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map

January

13.8 - 30.0 °C

February

16.8 - 31.9 °C

March

21.1 - 33.8 °C

April

22.5 - 34.3 °C

May

22.5 - 35.5 °C

June

23.7 - 35.2 °C

July

24.0 - 34.6 °C

August

24.2 - 34.5 °C

September

24.1 - 34.8 °C

October

21.9 - 34.5 °C

November

17.6 - 32.4 °C

December

14.7 - 30.4 °C

Major Airports :

Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), Bhubaneshwar

Nearest Railway Station :

Balugaon Railway Station (BALU)

Major Airports :

Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI), Bhubaneshwar

The home of Lord Jagannath's aunt

In the sacred heart of Puri, where devotion pulses through every street, stands the revered Gundicha Temple - a sanctuary steeped in divine legend and spiritual significance. This hallowed shrine, named after the virtuous Queen Gundicha, wife of King Indradyumna, holds a unique place in Lord Jagannath's annual pilgrimage. Known affectionately as the Lord's aunt's house, Gundicha Temple transforms into a focal point of divine energy during the famed Rath Yatra festival, when Lord Jagannath himself graces its premises for seven blissful days.

Amidst lush gardens that whisper tales of nature's beauty, this temple is not merely a structure of stone, but a living testament to the enduring bond between the divine and his devotees. As pilgrims approach the Gundicha Temple, they step into a realm where mythology and reality intertwine, where every stone seems to resonate with the echoes of ancient prayers and the joyous clamour of countless festivals.  

Steeped in mythological significance

The Gundicha Temple is not just a marvel of architecture, but a living embodiment of devotion wrapped in captivating legends. One such tale speaks of Queen Gundicha, wife of King Indradyumna, whose unwavering faith in Lord Jagannath was so profound that the Lord himself promised to visit her home annually. This divine vow manifests in the joyous Rath Yatra, when Lord Jagannath leaves his main abode to reside in Gundicha Temple for seven days.

Another cherished legend casts the temple as the home of Lord Krishna's beloved aunt Gundicha. In this heartwarming narrative, Aunt Gundicha eagerly awaits the arrival of her divine nephews and niece - Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra. As any doting aunt would, she prepares a special treat for her guests - the delectable 'padoapitha', a traditional rice delicacy.

Behold the architectural grandeur

The Gundicha Temple stands as a testament to the exquisite Kalinga architectural style, its every stone a canvas for intricate artistry. Located at the centre of a lush garden, the temple is embraced by a formidable wall, 20 feet high and 5 feet wide, creating a sacred enclosure for the divine dwelling within. The temple's structure unfolds in four distinct parts - the Vimana, Jagamohana, Natamandapa, and Bhogamandapa - each crafted from light grey sandstone that seems to glow with an inner radiance.

At the heart of this architectural marvel lies the 'Ratnavedi', a simple yet profound raised seat that serves as the temporary throne for Lord Jagannath and his divine siblings during their annual sojourn. The temple's dual gates add to its mystique - the western gate welcoming the deities into their aunt's abode, while the eastern Nakachana gate bids them farewell. Every element of the temple, from its soaring spires to its delicate carvings, speaks of a harmonious blend of spiritual significance and architectural brilliance.

A pilgrimage that offers serenity

Gundicha Temple is revered as a sacred pilgrimage site by devotees who undertake arduous journeys to seek the blessings of Lord Jagannath and experience the divine presence of the deity during the Rath Yatra. The temple's tranquil ambience, adorned with fragrant flowers and resonant with melodious hymns and chants, create a serene atmosphere conducive to prayer, meditation and spiritual contemplation. Pilgrims offer prayers, perform rituals, and partake in the sacred rituals of darshan (worship) and prasad (blessed food) as part of their devotional journey.

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Timings

Opening time - 06:00 AM

Closing time - 09:00 PM

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The most auspicious occasion

The Gundicha Temple reaches its pinnacle of spiritual significance during the grand Ratha Yatra. According to the tradition, this sacred sanctuary becomes the focal point of an epic celestial journey for nine days. Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra embark on their annual sojourn, leaving the majestic Jagannath Temple to grace their aunt's abode with their divine presence.

This sacred pilgrimage, known as Gundicha Yatra, Nava Dina Yatra, or Ghosa Yatra, transforms the temple and its surroundings into a realm of unparalleled spiritual fervour. For seven blessed days, the deities reside within the Gundicha Temple, offering devotees the rare and most auspicious Adapa Darshana - a glimpse of the divine that is said to cleanse the soul and fulfil the deepest spiritual longings. As the Ratha Yatra reaches its crescendo at this temple, the rhythmic chants of devotees blend with the rustling of leaves in the surrounding gardens and the tall coconut trees stand as silent witnesses to this grand reunion of the divine with their devotees.

Other wonders around

Beyond the sacred confines of Gundicha Temple, Puri offers several other spiritual and natural wonders. A short distance away, the majestic Jagannath Temple invites you to delve deeper into Puri's divine heritage. For those seeking solace in nature's embrace, the pristine shores of Puri Beach lie just a short stroll away, where the rhythmic waves of the Bay of Bengal whisper age-old secrets.