Ritual in Gundicha Temple

Ritual in Gundicha Temple

Stay in Gundicha Temple is a ritual that follows after the actual pilgrimage journey. At an auspicious hour the images are transferred to the Gundicha temple by the chariots.

Ritual in Gundicha Temple is the staying of Lord Jagannath in Gundicha Temple. After the pilgrimage journey, the deities stay in Gundicha temple for one week. The journey towards the Gundicha temple is not continuous.

It is interrupted several times during which food is offered to the deities. This temple has no image installed in its inner sanctum. It is considered that the wife of 'Indradyumna', the king who established Lord Jagannath's temple was known as "Gundicha". After the deities have been placed in the inner chamber the temple and the deities are purified. Food is cooked in this temple and is offered by the Puja pandas.

Mythology on Gundicha Temple
There is legend regarding the Gundicha temple. Goddess Laxmi becomes angry for being not allowed to go along with Lord Jagannath. She proceeds to the Gundicha Temple to meet him on the Hera Panchami Day, the fifth day from the Ratha Yatra. After having a silent look at him, she returns to Shri Mandir. She damages a part of Jagannath's Chariot in anger.

Style of Gundicha Temple
The deities enter the Gundicha temple in a pahandi style. The Devadasis resume their rituals of offering the morning meal and the evening putting-to-sleep ceremony. The deities' daily morning bath is done in a more elaborate manner. The deities are smeared with sandalwood paste all over their bodies. The fifth day of the fortnight corresponds to the second day of the deities' stay in Gundicha. There takes place an interlude which involves Goddess Lakshmi and the Devadasis. Lakshmi is taken out from the main temple in a palanquin carried by Brahmin temple servants. The procession walks to the Gundicha temple and stops in front of the chariot of Lord Jagannath. Palanquin is placed on wooden stands and a Brahmin temple servant worships Lakshmi.

Importance of Devdasis
The Devadasis sing songs after which the palanquin is taken around the car of Jagannath. Lakshmi is also placed in the inner sanctum of the temple. The day after this witnesses the three pandas taking three "garlands of order" from the deities and placing them on the three chariots. From this moment the three chariots stand facing the south. After the stay in Gundicha temple follows the Bahuda Yatra or the return journey of the chariots.

Recently Updated Articles in Indian Temples


•	Ganesh Temple The Ganesh Temple, located in Srinagar city, is a well-known gothic shrine.

•	Vidyashankara Temple Vidyashankara Temple located in Sringeri in Karnataka is a magnificent structure that combines the architectural styles of Hoysala and Vijayanagara empires. Built in the 14th century, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva and houses a shrine for the great philosopher Adi Shankaracharya.

•	Nellaiappar Temple The Nellaiappar Temple, located in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, is a revered Hindu temple with a rich history dating back to the Pandya dynasty. Its sprawling architecture, sacred rituals, and reference in ancient texts like Tevaram make it a significant cultural and religious landmark.

•	Hoysalewara Temple The Hoysaleswara Temple, an architectural masterpiece of the Hoysala dynasty in Karnataka reflects the rich heritage of South Indian temple art and culture. Adorned with intricate carvings, it narrates tales of Hindu epics and showcases devotion through its sanctums and monuments, making it a revered historical and spiritual site.

•	Matangeshwar Temple Matangeshwar temple is one of the most attractive temples which is known for its architecture. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, this is one of the celebrated shrines of Khajuraho which is mainly known for the eight feet high Shiva lingam.

E-magazine

Subscribe to E-Magazine on Reference