Gundicha Temple is situated in Puri, Odisha, approximately 3 km from the renowned Jagannath Temple. It stands at the end of the Bada Danda (Grand Road), which connects the main Jagannath Temple to Gundicha Temple. This temple is a significant part of the Ratha Yatra (Chariot Festival).
Gundicha Temple does not have a permanent deity inside. But during the Ratha Yatra, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Devi Subhadra come here from the Jagannath Temple and stay for seven days. Therefore, it becomes their temporary residence for one year.
The temple is considered the “mausi ghar” or aunt’s home of Lord Jagannath.
Gundicha Temple is built in the typical Kalinga style of architecture, using light grey sandstone. The temple has a sanctum (vimana), jagamohana (assembly hall), nata mandapa (dancing hall), and bhoga mandapa (offering hall). It is surrounded by beautiful gardens and enclosed by compound walls. The entire temple structure is simple and peaceful compared to the grandeur of the main Jagannath Temple.
According to historical accounts, the temple was built by Queen Gundicha, wife of King Indradyumna, the legendary founder of the Jagannath Temple. Hence, the temple is named after her. It has been closely associated with the Ratha Yatra since ancient times and is considered the “garden house” or vacation home of Lord Jagannath.
Long ago, during the time of the legendary king Indradyumna, who is said to have built the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri, his queen, Gundicha Maharani, was a sincere and devoted worshipper of Lord Jagannath. She wished to serve the Lord in her way and prayed that the Lord would visit her palace and bless her home.
Pleased by her devotion, Lord Jagannath granted her a divine boon. He promised that every year, during the month of Ashadha (June–July), He, along with his elder brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra, would visit her home and stay there for seven days. This tradition later became the famous Ratha Yatra or Chariot Festival.
The temple where they stay is now known as the Gundicha Temple, named in her honor. It is considered the “mausi ghar” (aunt’s house or maternal home) of Lord Jagannath, where he comes to rest and enjoy a peaceful time away from the busy rituals of the main temple.
According to tradition, during the Ratha Yatra, the three deities leave their main temple and travel on huge wooden chariots to Gundicha Temple, which is about 3 km away. The journey represents the Lord’s visit to his devotee’s house, fulfilling the wish of Queen Gundicha.
It is believed that during their stay at Gundicha Temple, the deities enjoy a more relaxed and homely atmosphere. Lord Jagannath is served simpler food, known as Adapa Abhada, which is prepared with great love and devotion. Devotees from all over the world come to witness this divine journey and the peaceful stay of the deities at this sacred temple.
An interesting part of the legend is that Goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Lord Jagannath, initially feels left behind as she is not taken along to Gundicha Temple. In her anger, she comes to Gundicha Temple on the fifth day, demanding her Lord to return. This divine scene is enacted in the ritual called Lakshmi Narayan Bheta, where Lakshmi visits and meets Jagannath. It represents the playful interaction between the divine couple.
After spending seven days at Gundicha Temple, the deities return to their main abode in a grand return procession known as the Bahuda Yatra.
