GUNDICHA TEMPLE

The temple is located on Bada Danda, three kilometers from Jagannath temple. The temple is named after the queen of Indradyumna Gundicha. The temple serves as a temporary home of Lord Jagannath during Rath Yatra.

The temple also houses a seat called Ratnavali. It remains vacant most of the year, and it is occupied by images of Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra and their sister Subhadra for seven days during the festival of Rath Yatra. The temple is built using light grey sandstone, and its architectural style is Kalinga.

It has two gates; the western entrance, which is the main gate through which deities enter during Rath Yatra and the eastern gate, which is used by gods for departure after the festival. The temple remains empty for the rest of the year. It is when foreigners are allowed inside after paying an entry fee.

Location: Gundicha temple, Puri, Odisha 752001.