Gundicha Temple Puri: Timings, History, Entry Fee, Distance

Gundicha Temple is located in the holy city of Puri in Odhisha. This city is famous for the house of Shri Jagannatha Temple, which is considered to be one of the dhams in 4 dhams. Gundicha Temple is located on the same road connecting the Shri Jagannatha Temple and it is known as Bada Danda or Grand Road. Gundicha Temple has utmost significance as Devi Gundicha is considered to be the aunt of Shri Jagannatha and During rath yatra, Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balbhadra and Subhadra Devi rest for seven days in this temple which is considered to be their aunt's house. 

During rath yatra, when the all three idols are taken from Jagannatha temple to Gundicha Temple this journey is known as Gundicha Yatra or Ghosha Yatra.

It is believe that during these seven days stay, Gundicha devi prepares sweet delicacies for these deities. On the ninth day three deities return back to Shree Mandira and this journey is known as Bahuda Yatra. 

This temple is just 3 km from Jagannath Temple and 1.5 km from Puri Railway Station.

Source: Google Review

History of Gundicha Temple 

There are many legends associated to this beautiful temple one of the major is this when the carpenter created the statues of lord Jagannatha, Lord Balbadhra and Subhadara Devi, Queen Gundhicha, Wife of King Indrayumna was captivated by the beauty of idols, therefore she request king to built a place where the idols can be taken during the Rath yatra. Therefore he built this temple for her and also named this temple after her. 

Timings of Gundicha Temple

This temple is open on all days from 6 AM to 9 PM. It is closed for 1 hour daily between 3 PM to 4 PM. 

Architecture of Gundicha Temple

Gundicha Temple is built in Kalinga architecture of Deula style. This temple is 75 feet high and 430 feet long. This temple has 4 parts namely Vimana (Main Sanctum), Jagmohana (Assembly Hall), Nata Mandira (Hall for Festivities) and Bhoga Mandapa (Hall for Offering). 

Gundicha Temple has throne made up of chlorite. It is known as Ratnavedi. It is the place where deities of Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balbadhra and Subhadara Devi are seated during the Rath Yatra.

There are two gates Western Gate and Eastern Gate. During Rath Yatra idols comes from western gate to this shrine and after that idol are carried out through the eastern gate on the ninth day. 

Where to Stay at Puri 

There are guest houses available near the temple that can be booked from the Jagannath temple's official website. The temple has various guest houses available with AC and non-AC rooms. Recently 2 new guest houses have been included which are very close to the temple. 

Guest House Booking Link 

Category	Booking Link
Nilachal Bhakta Niwas and Yatri Niwas	Book Here
Shree Gundicha Bhakta Niwas	Book Here
Neeladri Bhakta Niwas	Book Here
Purushottam Bhakta Niwas	Book Here