Gundicha Temple

One of the famous temples of Puri, the 16^th century Gundicha Temple was built by king Indradyumna or by queen Gundicha. It is also known as the “Maa Mausi temple”, “Gundicha Ghar”, “Garden house” of Lord Jagannath. It is said that the temple is the aunt’s house of Lord Jagannath. On the day of Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath and his siblings carries to this temple by the chariot and they live here for seven days. The temple is located near 3 km from Jagannath Temple.

King Indradyumna built this temple in Kalinga style which is exactly looks like Jagannath Temple of Puri. The temple was built in deula style with grey stone. The total temple is included 4 parts, vimana or tower, jagamohana or prayer hall, nata mandapa or dance hall and bhoga mandapa. There is a kitchen also located in the temple. And a Ratnavedi or seat is located there, where the picture are kept. Sree Gundicha Yatra, Rath Yatra, Ras lila, Dakhsina Moda and Gundicha Marjana are some festival which are celebrated here.  

History of Temple

Queen Gundicha built the Gundicha temple at 16^th century.

It is said that, Devi Gundicha or queen Gundicha was the queen of King Indradyumna, who built the main Jagannath Temple. It is believed that people who are the truly devotees of Lord Jagannath, can see him. King Indradyumna and Queen Gundicha were great devotee of Lord Jagannath. So he promised her to visit her house with his siblings. So every year on the day of Rath Yatra Lord Jagannath come to visit her.

It is also believed that When Vishwakarma built the idols of Lord Jagannath, by seeing the picture she was impressed and he asked her husband to make a temple for Lord Jagannath.

It is also said that Gundicha house is the birthplace or Yagnya Vedi of Lord Jagannath and his sibling Lord Balaram, Lord Sudarshan and Devi Subhadra. Who are known unitedly as Chaturddha Murti. So every year Lord Jagannath with his siblings visit Gundicha Temple.

Best time to visit

The temple remains open throughout the year, but Rath Yatra is the best time to visit Gundicha temple. Which is observed in the month of June and July. This time Lord Jagannath, Lord Balaram and devi Subhadra are taken to the temple by chariot and live here for seven days.

Timings of temple

The temple remains open everyday from 6 AM to 9 PM. But between the timings the temple remains closes every day from 3 PM to 4 PM. And entry fee is also free for everyone.

Facts about Temple

• Gundicha Temple is also known as the Garden house of Jagannath. Which is situated at the middle of a very beautiful garden. And bounded by the walls. It is located near the Jagannath Temple in a distance of 5 minutes.
• It is said that Queen Gundicha was a great devotee of Lord Jagannath. Because of her devotion Lord Jagannath along which his 2 siblings come every year to visit Gundicha house.
• Gundicha temple is also considered as the birthplace of Lord Jagannath. As they are worshiped in the form of deities.
• It is also said that, she entered the room of Viswakarma when he was making the idols of Lord Jagannath, which was against the condition of Viswakarma. So he stopped making and the idols remain incomplete.
• Gundicha temple was built in a similar style of Jagannath Temple. Queen Gundicha was also a great devotee of Lord Jagannath. So she requested her husband to make a similar temple to worshiped Lord.
• It is believed queen Gundicha is actually a form of Devi Durga, maternal aunt of Lord Jagannath. And Lord Jagannath visits the temple every year with his siblings. It is believed that she has a power to cure all types of small diseases like pox and others.
• It is said that Lord Jagannath locked Devi Laxmi, his wife to visit Gundicha temple in his store room. Which is also similar to the event where Krisha lied to Radha to meet his Gopi’s at Gundicha temple.
• It is said that, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu walked towards Gundicha temple and he got disappeared forever.
• There are two gates in the temple. The main gate from which deities are entered are located in the Western side and the name of eastern gate is Nakachana gate, from which deities depart.
• The temple remains open and empty except the Rath Yatra.
• Brahmin servants of temple used to worship deities, whereas at other place servants of Jagannath worship deities.
• The images of deities are coated with sandalwood paste for the two times to cooling.
• On the Panchami of Rath Yatra, there is a ceremony which is celebrated in the temple. On that day of Hera Panchami, angry Laxmi Devi come to Gundicha temple to carry Lord Jagannath with her. She came in a picture of Subarna Mahalaxmi.
• And another event is celebrated named Dakshina Moda, which is held on the day after Hera Rath Yatra, on this day all started to prepare for return of Lord Jagannath. The chariots are turned in the south direction to leave from the Nakachana gate.
• On the day before Rath Yatra, there is another event is celebrated, Gundicha Marjana, cleaning of Gundicha Temple to start preparation for Lord Jagannath, Lord Balaram and devi Subhadra to visit to the temple. They stay there for seven days. It is said that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu along with his devotees also cleaned the temple. And he used to gathere all the dust and packed in his cloth and threw out.

How to Reach

Gundicha temple or Gundicha Ghar is located at Puri near Jagannath temple. The temple can be reached by air, train and bus.

By Air: In a distance of 60km Biju Patnaik International airport is located at Bhubaneswar. From the airport buses, taxi, public as well as private cars are available to the temple.

By Train: Puri Railway is the nearest station to the temple. From the stations auto, taxis and cars are available to the temple.

By bus: There are local, intercity buses and OSRTC buses always available to the temple.

FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions