Puri: Gundicha temple, popularly known as the birthplace of Lord Jagannath, situated in Puri town of Odisha. It lies at a distance of about 3 km from the main temple of Lord Jagannath (Srimandir).
The two temples are located at two ends of Bada Danda (Grand Road) which is the pathway of Rath Yatra. The Gundicha temple stands in the centre of a beautiful garden, surrounded by compound walls on all sides.
The sanctum features a plain raised platform made of chlorite called Ratnavedi, where the deities are placed during the annual festivities.
This temple has two gates. The western gate is the main temple gate, through which the deities enter the temple during Ratha Yatra. The eastern gate, known as Nakachana gate, is used for the departure of the deities.
On the first day of the yatra, the deities are transported in chariots from the main temple to Gundicha temple. This is the famous Rath Yatra or Chariot Festival of Jagannath Puri. The three deities are transported in three magnificent chariots, drawn by the numerous devotees gathered there.
The procession progresses down the 3 km long "Bada Danda" (long avenue) and reaches the gates of the Gundicha temple before nightfall. The deities remain in the chariots on the first day and enter the Gundicha Temple on the second day. They reside at the Gundicha temple for the subsequent seven days.
Speaking to ETV Bharat, Dr Sarat Mohanty, Servitor said, "During the Car Festival, the Supreme Lord Jagannath goes on his nine-day annual sojourn. From the jewel covered thrown in the Sree Mandira (Holy temple of Puri), the Lord Jagannath along with his elder brother and sister goes to another temple which is known as “Gundicha Temple". It is believed that if one sees the Lords in Sree Gundicha temple and then takes “Adapa Mandap, he will get rid of sins committed in hundred births."
Narasingha Sinhari, a Servitor, said, "Gundicha Temple has some interesting legends related to it. Gundicha was the queen of the King Indradyumna, the legendary founder of the 1st great Jagannath temple. It is because of the deep devotion of the queen Gundicha, Lord Jagannath prefers to pay a visit to her house for nine days during Car Festival. It is believed that the Holy Trinity's aunt gives a welcome to the three siblings with a special delicacy made of rice called 'podapitha'. This rice cake is also known as 'Podapitha' or 'Porapitha'. This temple is regarded as equally holy as Jagannath temple as Lord Jagannath stays here for nine days during the annual car festival."
As per custom, during Lord Jagannath’s stay in Gundicha temple, the main temple kitchens stop cooking Mahaprasad. The Gundicha temple kitchens are repaired and food is prepared here to offer to Lord Jagannath. The second last day of the festival is known as Sandhya Darshan, (evening prayers).
This day is considered the most auspicious day to have darshan of Lord Jagannath. Thousands of devotees come here for darshan and Mahaprasad. After having spent seven days in the Gundicha temple, the return journey of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra to the main temple begins.
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