Puri town · Lord Jagannath's garden house
Gundicha Temple
The 'aunt's house' of Lord Jagannath where the deities stay for 7 days during Rath Yatra. Peaceful gardens and a beautifully carved sanctum.
History & legend
Named after Queen Gundicha, wife of the legendary King Indradyumna who founded the Jagannath cult, this temple marks the spot where the sage Vishwakarma is said to have carved the original deities. The present Kalinga-style structure dates to the 16th century and is called the deities' Janma Vedi (birthplace) and 'garden house' (Adapa Mandapa). Every Rath Yatra since at least the 12th century the three deities travel 3 km down Bada Danda to stay here for seven days — the reason the Grand Road is the widest street in Puri.
Timings
6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Best time to visit
Rath Yatra (June–July) or quiet mornings
Entry fee
Free · ₹5 shoe stand
Approx. cab from Puri (one way)
₹225 · 3 km × ₹75/km
Don't miss
- Rath Yatra destination
- Kalinga architecture
- Garden compound
Local tip: Combine with a Grand Road walk from the main temple — 20 minutes on foot.
On the map
