Gundicha Temple

Gundicha Temple is a must-visit holy shrine in the main town of Puri. It lies merely 3 km from Jagannath Temple and is known as the ‘Garden House’ of Lord Jagannath. It is built beautifully in the Kalinga style of architecture and is embellished with the Hindu religious figurines carved on the exterior walls. Interestingly, it remains vacant throughout the year and the deities are installed only during the celebration of Rath Yatra.

It Is Known For:-
1)    Gundicha Temple is known for its beautiful surroundings. It is enclosed by a wall and has a vast garden.

2)    The interiors of this temple include a kitchen  and a hallway where the Maha Prasad is cooked for the Lord.

3)    There is a four-feet high and nineteen-feet long platform and the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balbhadra, and Subhadra are placed on it.

4)    According to the legend, during Rath Yatra, the Lord along with his siblings, visits this temple and intentionally locks up his consort in the main shrine. He spends a lot of time with all Gopis (as he’s identified as Lord Krishna).

5)    Another legend concludes the mysterious disappearance of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. It is said that he once walked in the Manikoth Dwaar of Gundicha Temple, un-noticed by his fellows and was never seen again. People claim that he merged himself with Lord Jagannath.

Best Time To Visit:-
Gundicha Temple remains vacant throughout the year so there’s no purpose of visiting the shrine in an offseason. The best time to visit this place is on the occasion of Rath Yatra because the entire shrine is decorated beautifully and is flooded by devotees.

Reaching There:-
Due to its location close to the main shrine of Jagannath, it has a well-established roadways network. People can reach this temple easily by bus, taxi, or auto.

Nearest Railway Station:- Puri Railway Station
Nearest Airport:- Biju Patnaik Airport