At a distance of 1.5 km from Puri Junction and 3 km from Sri Jagannath Temple, Gundicha Temple is one of the most renowned Hindu temples in Puri. Gundicha Temple is a commonplace of the festivities during the annual Ratha Yatra and is also one of the most famous places to visit in Puri.
The Gundicha Ghar was built by the Gundicha Maharani, the queen of King Indradyumna the founder of the 1st Jagannath Temple. The temple is located right next to the Jagannath Temple and is popularly referred to as His aunt's house because when the Rath Yatra festival takes place, Lord Jagannath is shifted to the Gundicha Temple for seven days. It is also known as Garden House of Lord Jagannath as it is located in the middle of a beautiful garden.
Gundicha Temple has some interesting legends related to it. According to one legend, Gundicha, the queen of the King Indradyumna, was a great devotee of Lord Jagannath. Because of her deep devotion, Lord Jagannath promises her to come to her house during Ratha Yatra. Another Legend says that Gundicha Ghar is the house of Lord Krishna's adoring aunt Gundicha. It is believed that their aunt gives a welcome to the three siblings with a special delicacy made of rice called 'padoapitha'.
Built-in a distinctive Kalinga style, the architecture of the temple is a marvel to behold and is ornate with intricate and artistic stone carvings. The temple is surrounded by a wall and stands in the middle of a garden. The height of the wall is 20 feet and the width is 5 feet. The temple consists of Vimana, Jagamohana, Natamandapa, and Bhogamandapa. The whole temple is built of light gray sandstone. There is a plain raised seat called 'Ratnavedi', and this is the throne on which the images are placed when brought to the temple. This temple has two gates. The western gate is the main gate and the eastern side gate is known as Nakachana gate. The deities enter the temple through the west gate and come out by the east gate. The temple is under the care and maintenance of Jagannath Temple Administration, Puri.
3 Days & 2 Nights
6 Days & 5 Nights
6 Days & 5 Nights
3 Days & 2 Nights
