Gundicha Temple
Gundicha Temple, also referred to as Garden House of Lord Puri Jagannath, is located in Puri, Orissa. It is believed that it is built in the honour of Queen Gundicha’s devotion towards Lord Jagannath. King Indradyumna built the Jagannath temple and Gundicha temple in Puri. The temple is situated near Bada Danda at distance of 3 km from the main temple of Lord Jagannath.
Gundicha temple remains vacant throughout the year except during Rath Yatra. During Jagannath Rath Yatra, the idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are kept here for few days.
According to a legend, a boon is given to Queen Gundicha by these three Gods that they will stay at least 9 days a year in her house. Gundicha Marjana or cleaning of Gundicha temple is done on previous day of Rath Yatra.
Typical Kalingan style of architecture differentiates the temple from all other temples of North India. The main theme of the temple was to set a house in a garden.