GUNDICHA DEVI MANDIR:PURI
 
Next to Sri Jagannath Mandir, the most important abode of Prabhu is the Sree Gundicha Mandir where Sri Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra travel during the Rath yatra.
Due to this, Rath yatra is also called Sree Gundicha Yatra.


It is said that Devi Gundicha was the queen of King Indradyumna, the legendary founder of the 1st great Jagannath Mandir. It is because of the deep devotion of queen Gundicha that Sri Jagannath pays a visit to her house for nine days during Rath Yatra.


It is also believed that Gundicha Ghar is the house of Sri Krishna’s adoring aunt/ mausi Gundicha. Once, Ma Lakshmi left the Sri Mandir and Sri Jagannath and Balbhadra had to roam around for years without food and shelter. At that time, Devi Subhadra resided with Ma Gundicha.


During Rath Yatra, when Prabhu visits Ma Gundicha, she gives a warm welcome to the 3 siblings with a special delicacy made of rice called 'padoapitha'. This rice cake is also known as Podapitha.
Prabhu stays with her for 7 days (plus 2 in travel) every year.


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