Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026: Seven-Day Stay at Gundicha Temple Reveals the Emotional Bond Behind the Lord’s Journey to His Aunt’s Home

According to popular traditions in Puri, there are two major beliefs regarding Lord Jagannath’s aunt. The first tradition considers Gundicha Devi as the Lord’s aunt. Due to this belief, devotees lovingly refer to Gundicha Temple as the Lord’s “aunt’s home,” where Lord Jagannath stays for seven days during the Rath Yatra.

Another tradition connects Lord Jagannath with the Mausi Maa Ardhashoshini Temple located on the Grand Road. During the return journey, known as Bahuda Yatra, the Lord’s chariot stops at this temple, where a special offering is presented to him. Both traditions hold an important place in Jagannath culture and remain an integral part of the Rath Yatra celebrations.

According to local traditions in Puri, when Lord Jagannath first visited his aunt’s residence, he received a warm and affectionate welcome. The aunt requested the Lord to visit her every year. It is believed that Lord Jagannath accepted her affection and promised to return annually. Since then, the tradition of the Lord visiting his aunt’s home during Rath Yatra has continued. This belief is considered a part of Puri’s ancient folk traditions rather than a direct scriptural fact.

During the Rath Yatra, Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra leave the Shri Mandir on their respective chariots and arrive at Gundicha Temple. The three deities remain there for approximately seven days. During this period, millions of devotees visit Gundicha Temple to seek blessings. After completing the seven-day stay, the deities begin their return journey to the Shri Mandir through Bahuda Yatra.

The first day of the festival marks the departure of the deities from the Shri Mandir and their arrival at Gundicha Temple. On the second day, after special rituals, the three deities are brought down from their chariots and placed inside the Adapa Mandapa. Over the following days, special prayers, decorations, offerings, and traditional rituals continue. Devotees arriving from across India and abroad consider witnessing these sacred moments a spiritually significant experience.

During this stay, the festival of Hera Panchami is also observed. According to popular belief, Goddess Lakshmi visits Gundicha Temple to request Lord Jagannath’s return to the Shri Mandir. This episode is considered one of the most emotional and widely followed moments of the Rath Yatra. After seven days, the Bahuda Yatra begins, and the deities return to the Shri Mandir on their chariots. During the return journey, Lord Jagannath’s chariot stops at the Mausi Maa Ardhashoshini Temple, where he receives a special welcome.

During the Bahuda Yatra, Lord Jagannath is offered Poda Pitha at the Mausi Maa Temple. It is a traditional Odisha dish prepared with rice, jaggery, lentils, coconut, and ghee, and cooked slowly. According to popular belief, Lord Jagannath becomes unwell after the Snana Purnima ceremony, and Mausi Maa lovingly offers him Poda Pitha as a gesture of care. This offering represents affection, service, and the warmth of a family relationship rather than merely being a food offering.

The arrival of Lord Jagannath is marked by special prayers, Vedic chants, and ceremonial worship at the temples. Traditional offerings are presented according to established customs, and devotees welcome the Lord with great enthusiasm. The entire scene resembles the arrival of a beloved family guest, reflecting the unique emotional character of the festival.

The greatest uniqueness of Jagannath culture is that the Lord is not only worshipped as a divine figure but is also viewed as a member of the family. The traditions portray him as a deity who bathes, rests, travels, meets devotees, and visits relatives. This human connection makes the Jagannath tradition one of India’s most distinctive religious customs.

The tradition of Lord Jagannath visiting his aunt’s home represents the values of relationships, affection, and family bonds in Indian culture. Every year, millions of devotees reach Puri to witness this extraordinary tradition during the Rath Yatra.

The stories connected with Lord Jagannath’s aunt, Gundicha Devi, and the Mausi Maa Ardhashoshini Temple are primarily based on Puri’s folk traditions and widely followed beliefs. Different traditions and scholars may present variations in the details and interpretation of these stories.