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Gundicha Ghar is among the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Though the popularity of this temple is nowhere to that of Jagannath Temple, this temple too has its respective niche in the tourism landscape of Puri. This temple is located in the middle of a beautiful garden and is situated at the other end of Badadanda, the great highway.
Gundicha Ghar is supposed to be the home of the aunt of Lord Jagannatha, who is known as Gundicha. She was the wife of King Indradyumna. This temple has derived its name from this mythological figure. Gundicha Ghar is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Jagannath. It is believed that Lord Jagannath, along with his elder brother Balbhadra and younger sister Subhadra, spends seven days every year at this place. The entire festivity of Rath Yatra is woven around the weekly sojourn of these deities.
The deities Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are carried to Gundicha Mandir during the Rath Yatra. The idols are transported through the beautifully adorned chariots made up of wood. The distance between the Gundicha Temple and Jagannath Temple is about 8327 feet. It is believed that Lord's aunt, Gundicha offers a welcome to these deities with specially prepared rice known as 'Padoapitha'.
Gundicha Ghar contains four parts, attached to the kitchen rooms through a narrow passage. The tower has a Pidha type construction. It is about 75 feet tall, having a base of about 55 feet. The temple has four structures such as Viman, Natamandap, Jagmohan and Bogha Mandap. These structures feature the traces of plastering. There is a plain raised seat made from chlorite known as the Ratnavedi.
Gundicha Ghar is also popular for its numerous big tortoises. According to mythology, these tortoises were formerly human beings. According to some beliefs, they were the devoted masons who were engaged in construction of this temple. The tortoises are considered as very sacred and respected by the locals and tourists.
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