Gundicha Temple, Hindu temple in Puri, India
Gundicha Temple is a Hindu temple in the Puri district of India used for religious purposes only one week per year. The building has white sandstone walls and a pyramid-shaped roof, surrounded by landscaped gardens and several prayer halls.
The sanctuary was built in the 16th century as a temporary residence for three major deities during a religious procession. Since then it has been reconsecrated each year when the procession arrives at the building.
The sanctuary takes its name from Lord Jagannath's aunt and serves as a symbolic family home during the annual journey. The deities remain inside for nine days, where worshippers gather in large numbers to observe rituals and participate in ceremonies.
Visitors should remove shoes before entering and wear modest clothing. Photography is not allowed in most interior areas, but the gardens may be freely explored.
The building stands empty during most of the year and comes alive only for Rath Yatra. The sudden transformation from a quiet courtyard into a busy religious center draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.
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