Jagannath Rath Yatra 2024: Exploring The Significance Of Puri's Gundicha Temple

Jagannath Rath Yatra is one of the most anticipated festivals in India. It’s a nine-day-long holy festival that honours the journey of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra from the Jagannath temple to the Gundicha. Gundicha temple, which mostly remains vacant throughout the year, plays an important role in the Jagannath Yatra. While the Jagannath Yatra of 2024 is about to commence on July 7, 2024, let’s dive in to learn the significance of this holy Gundicha temple.

All About Gundicha Temple

Gundicha is one of the most overlooked temples of Puri but it holds utmost importance. Gundicha temple remains vacant most of the time but during the Shukla Paksha of Akshada month every year the deities of Jagannath, Balbhadra and Subhadra spend seven days at this temple. During this period the temple becomes the hub of all activities. On the fifth day of this festival, a major ceremony takes place at this temple. It is believed that on Heera Panchami, Goddess Lakshmi arrives at this temple in the form of the image of Subarna Mahalakshmi to meet with her husband.

Facts About Gundicha Temple

Here are some of the interesting facts about Gundicha temple that you should know:

This temple was named after the wife of Indradyumna, who was a Malava king. According to locals, this temple is dedicated to Lord Gundicha, who is a Durga (maa durga temples) herself. It is believed that she is the maternal aunt of Lord Jagannath, who visited her annually.

This temple has two gates: the western gate and the eastern gate. The western gate is the main gate from where the deities of Jagannath enter the temple during the Rath Yatra. The eastern gate, also known as Nakachana gate is used for the departure of the deities.

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About Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra

Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra holds utmost importance and is attended by thousands of devotees from across the world. The yatra begins with a magnificent chariot with Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhdara and their sister Subhadra gracing the chariot. It is believed that pulling the chariots bestows blessings on the devotees.

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