Shree Gundicha Temple
Puri, India
- Experience the spiritual atmosphere
- Explore the temple architecture
- Seek blessings from the deities
- Visit during the Sand Art Festival
- Witness the Rath Yatra procession
Known for:
Description:
Gundicha Ghar Temple, located in Puri, India, is a significant Hindu temple, often referred to as the Garden House of Jagannath. It plays a crucial role in the annual Rath Yatra festival, where the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are transported from the main Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Ghar. The temple, built of light-grey sandstone, features intricate carvings and a serene atmosphere. During the Rath Yatra, the deities reside here for seven days, allowing devotees to have closer darshan. The temple's architecture resembles the main Jagannath Temple, but with a unique charm. The garden surrounding the temple adds to its tranquility, making it a place of peace and devotion.
History:
Gundicha Ghar Temple's history is intertwined with the Jagannath Temple. Built in the 16th century during the reign of King Prataprudra Deva, it is believed to be on the site of a garden house belonging to Gundicha, the queen of Indradyumna, the legendary builder of the Jagannath Temple. The temple's significance lies in its association with the Rath Yatra, a centuries-old tradition. The annual journey of the deities to Gundicha Ghar symbolizes their visit to their aunt's home. The temple has undergone renovations and expansions over the centuries, but its core purpose and sanctity remain unchanged.