Gundicha Mandir, Puri, Orissa, IN

Deity: Lord Krishna
Location: Northeastern side of the Jagannath temple, Puri, Orissa
Founded In: 16th century
Significance: Believed to be the dwelling place of Lord Krishna’s aunt
Best time to visit: October to April

Puri as known to the Hindus all over the world as a religious center and for the good stretch of the white sand beaches on the banks of Bay of Bengal. Puri is dominated by two great forces, one created by God, and the other by man.

Gundicha Temple was built by Gundicha Devi to commemorate the birth of his son Niladri Singh. A colossal statue of Lord Narasimhanath, installed in the sanctum of the temple, was built by King Prithiraj Singhdeo. Gundicha Temple is considered to be the home of the aunt of Lord Krishna. However, the temple has been named after the King Indradyumna, who was also known by the name ‘Gundicha’. This is because he was the one who laid the foundation for establishment of this temple.

The distance between the gates of Jagannath temple and the Gundicha temple, is exactly 2,688.0696 meters (8327 feet). The temple is surrounded by a wall and stands in the middle of garden. The compound has two walls, one outer and another inner in the middle of which stands the main shrine. Unlike any other Orissan temple design it is almost a dome with Vishnu's wheel on the top.

The inner and parts of the outer walls are full of murals and paintings belonging to the sixteenth century. A beautiful Garuda idol adorns the eastern most corner of the temple.

The images of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are annually taken in a chariot procession to the place. The Jagannath triad stay here for seven days. The pious believe that a sight of the Lord here is equal to thousand visits to the main Jagannath temple.

This Temple is known otherwise as ‘Janak puri’ because, here according to Puranic legend the King Indradyaumna performed the sacrifices and the Lords, Jagannath, Balabhadra, Subhadra and Sudarsana appeared on the altar.

During the Car-festival the Lords spend seven days and there after they go back to their own Temple .

The people believe according to tradition that these tortoises were human beings in their past life and had carried huge stones on their backs for the construction of the Temple of Jagannath (Bada deula). Therefore they became tortoises since them. So they are only the living witnesses of the building of Jagannath Temple by the legendary King Indrayaumna.

Other important Attraction:
Jagannath Temple:
Puri Beach
Temple of Child Krishna at Indradyumna Tank
Atharnala Bridge

How to Reach:
by Air: The nearest airport is in 56 km away, in Bhubaneswar, which has domestic flights to and from Bombay.
by Rail: Puri railway station is a major railway station and is well connected with almost all the major cities of India. The railway station is easily accessible from the main town area.
by Road: Well-connected to all the major cities of Orissa and surrounding areas through extensive network of roads.

Visit www.eTirth.com for more information on Temples, Ashrams, Gurus, Festival and Daily Panchangam (Hindu ephemeris).

If you love to read visit www.KathaVarta.org for Religious stories.

Last but not least, if you want to visit above Holy Pilgrimage, please contact and visit our associate partner www.YatraKhoj.com and e-mail at yatrakhoj@yahoo.com.