Lord Jagannath stays at Gundicha Temple for seven days: Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra is beginning from today, 16th July. The grand chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra and Goddess Subhadra will grace the Grand Road of Puri. Devotees from around the world can now have the divine darshan of Lord Jaganath.
In most religions, devotees need to visit a temple to seek the blessings of God. However, in the case of Lord Jagannath, he himself comes out onto the streets to meet and bless his devotees. It is believed that after the grand Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath stays at the Gundicha Temple for seven days and then returns to his primary abode. But why does the Lord stay for seven days? Let's understand the reason behind this sacred tradition.
Why does Lord Jagannath Visit The Gundicha Temple For Seven Days?
Before the beginning of the grand Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath is believed to fall ill for fifteen days. According to tradition, this happens after the Snan Purnima festival, during which the deities are bathed. After fully recovering, Lord begins his annual spiritual journey along with his brother and sister.
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The journey ends as soon as they arrive at the Gundicha Temple, located around 3-4 kilometres from the main Jagannath Temple. It is believed that this temple belongs to the aunt(mausi) of Lord Jagannath, known as Gundicha. Here, devotees warmly welcome the lord and his siblings with great devotion and offer them sweets and various delicacies.
Lord Jagannath stays at the temple for seven days. During this period, devotees receive the divine darshan known as Adapa Mandapa Darshan. This stay holds immense spiritual significance.
It is believed that:
- Lord departing from his primary residence and staying at Gundicha symbolises his desire to spend time with his devotees. It also represents that God is accessible to everyone, irrespective of class, caste or background.
- Many scholars believe that this journey symbolises Lord Krishna’s return to Vrindavan, and the Gundicha Temple is a symbol of Divine Love and the simplicity of true devotion.
- According to Bamadev Samhita, seeking the divine darshan of these deities together blesses not only devotees but also their ancestors.
During Lord Jagannath's stay at Gundicha Temple, Hera Panchami is also observed. According to Jagannath tradition, it is said that Lord Jagannath leaves the main temple without Goddess Lakshmi, so she comes to visit him at the Gundicha Temple. This represents the loving relationship between the couple. It reminds devotees that divine relationships are filled with love, devotion and spiritual connection.
After completing the seven-day stay at Gundicha, Lord Jagannath returns to his primary abode with his siblings. This return journey is called the Bahuda Yatra. During this journey, thousands of devotees again pull the chariots and receive the Lord's blessings. Bahuda Yatra represents the sacred return after spreading his blessings among his devotees.
The Rath Yatra ends as soon as they arrive at the Gundicha Temple (Image: Facebook/GundichaTemplePuri)
Who Is Queen Gundicha To Whom Lord Jagannath Visits Every Year?
According to Hindu mythology, Gundicha was the queen of King Indradyumna, who is believed to have established the Lord Jagannath temple. It is because of Queen Gundicha’s deep devotion that Lord Jagannath is believed to visit her house for seven days during the Rath Yatra.
Gundicha was the queen of King Indradyumna, who is believed to have established the Lord Jagannath temple (Image: Facebook/GundichaTemplePuri)
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This Rath Yatra and the visit to Gundicha Temple show the spiritual connection and love between the devotees and the Lord. During these days, Gundicha Temple becomes a centre of devotion where thousands of pilgrims gather to experience the special presence of Lord Jagannath.