Gundicha Temple in Puri: Know its history and divine link to Odisha’s Rath Yatra

New Delhi: The Gundicha Temple in Puri stands as a vital part of Odisha’s centuries-old Rath Yatra tradition, drawing both devotees and curious travellers. Located at the far end of the famous Bada Danda, the long ceremonial avenue connecting the main Jagannath Temple with this sacred site, Gundicha Temple holds a special emotional place in the annual celebration. It is lovingly known as the “aunt’s house” of Lord Jagannath, where the deity is believed to visit once every year.

During the world-famous Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath visits the temple to fulfil the wish of his ardent devotee, Queen Gundicha, and to fulfil his sister Subhadra’s desire to visit her aunt’s house, along with Lord Balabhadra. They travel in grand wooden chariots to this temple, welcomed by thousands of devotees who gather to witness the divine journey. The stay here continues for seven auspicious days, filled with rituals and festive devotion. The return procession, called the Bahuda Yatra, completes this spiritual cycle, symbolising the joy of homecoming and the lasting bond between the deity and his devotees.

Also Read

Madhya Kailash Temple: Visit this shrine, which houses rare half-Ganesha, half-Hanuman deity

Yaganti Umamaheswara Temple: Ancient shrine in Andhra Pradesh known for growing Nandi idol

Gangeshwar Mahadev Temple: Gujarat’s cave shrine where Pandavas worshipped Shiva

1. Traditional Kalinga design

Gundicha Temple is built in classic Kalinga (Deula) style with light-grey sandstone.

2. Four main parts

The temple complex is structured around four key segments, such as the vimana (sanctum), jagamohana (assembly hall), nata-mandapa (festival hall), and bhoga-mandapa (offering hall). A kitchen behind the bhoga-mandapa connects via a small passage.

3. Dual gates and Ratnavedi throne

The temple features two gates called the western gate, through which the deities enter, and the eastern “Nakachana” gate, through which they depart after their stay. Inside lies the raised stone throne called Ratnavedi, where the idols rest during the festival.

For the full spiritual experience, plan your visit during Rath Yatra when the temple buzzes with devotion, rituals and large crowds.

Outside the festival, the temple remains open daily from 6 am to 9 pm.

The closest railhead is Puri Railway Station, about 1.4 km from the temple. Local transport like taxis, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws can take you to the gate.

If arriving via air, fly into the nearest major airport at Bhubaneswar, about 58 km away.

While in Puri, don’t miss nearby attractions such as Puri Beach, Swargadwar Beach, the crafts museum, and the heritage sites that echo the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

For devotees, Gundicha Temple represents not just a heritage monument but a sacred space where divine presence inches closer. During Rath Yatra, the entire journey, from chariot ride to darshan under the temple’s ancient spires, deepens faith and connects travellers to centuries-old myth and ritual.