Gundicha Mandir Puri
Gundicha Mandir in Puri is a popular temple. It can form an important part of your Tour to Puri. This temple is believed to be the abode of Lord Krishna's aunt 'Gundicha'. According to the belief it is said that the Lord spends time here for 9 days on the eve of Rath yatra in Puri. During the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are royally taken in bountifully designed wooden chariot (Rath) from the Jagannath temple to Gundicha Ghar. At the house, the aunt welcomes and offers them the padoapitha (rice cakes).
The temple is located at the other end of the great highway (Badadanda). The distance between the gates of Jagannath temple and the Gundicha temple, is about 2,688.0696 meters (8327 feet).
The Gundicha temple is extremely popular with tourists and visitors. Also, it is amazing to note that there are plenty of large tortoises which can be seen moving freely and accepting food from the travelers. According to the myth, these tortoises were once human beings. It is believed that they were the dedicated masons who were employed to build this temple. They seem to be the only living witness of the great temple, which was once built by the king. The tortoises are considered to be very sacred by the tourists and locals who bow down in front of them to show their respect.
History of Gundicha Mandir Puri
The Gundicha Temple in Puri, India is really an astonishing place to visit and offer your prayers. Steeped in history, the place gives a true picture of a religious atmosphere and an insight into India's rich cultural heritage. The Gundicha Temple in Puri is also named as the Janak Puri. It is said that in Puranic times, King Indradyaumna performed some of the sacrifices and religious rituals. In answer to his prayers lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarshana descended to the earth and appeared before him at the altar. Every year, when the Car festival begins in Puri, these Gods spend 9 days in the temple before they proceed to their own temple Bada Deula while performing the famlous Bahuda Yatra.
Description of Gundicha Mandir Puri
Gundicha Mandir in Puri is surrounded by a wall and stands in the middle of garden. The temple comprises of four pars connected with kitchen rooms by a narrow passage. The tower features a Pidha type construction and is 75 feet tall with a base of 55 feet by 46 feet outside, and 36 feet 8inches by 27 feet inside. All the four structures (Vimana, Jagamohan, Natamandap, and Bhogamandap) bear the traces of numerous plastering and are carved in places with sensuous figures in mortar. It also features a plain raised seat, 4 feet high and 19 feet long, made of chlorite which is called the Ratnavedi. It was the throne on which the images are placed when brought to the temple premises.
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