Archive · 18 Jul 2026
Goddess Gundicha: Lord Jagannath's Annual Visit
Every year, Lord Jagannath and his siblings travel from their main temple to the Gundicha Temple in Puri, Odisha.
This journey is called the Rath Yatra.
The Gundicha Temple is named after Queen Gundicha, who was a big fan of Lord Jagannath.
The Lord promised to visit her temple every year.
During the Rath Yatra, the deities stay at the Gundicha Temple for nine days.
On their way back, they stop at the Mausi Maa Temple, where Lord Jagannath gets his favorite food, Poda Pitha.
This festival is a big celebration where everyone is welcome, no matter who they are.
It shows the Lord's love and kindness to all his devotees.
Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra travel to the Gundicha Temple during the Rath Yatra.
The Gundicha Temple is named after Queen Gundicha, who was a devoted worshipper of Lord Jagannath.
The deities stay at the Gundicha Temple for nine days before returning to the Jagannath Temple.
On the return journey, the deities stop at the Mausi Maa Temple, where Lord Jagannath is offered Poda Pitha.
The Rath Yatra symbolizes divine compassion, accessibility, and the willingness of the deities to be among their devotees.
- Who
- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, and Goddess Subhadra
- What
- Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026, a sacred journey to Gundicha Temple
- When
- Began on July 16, 2026, return on July 24, 2026
- Where
- Puri, Odisha, India
- Why
- To fulfill a divine promise to Queen Gundicha and symbolize family bonds and divine affection
- Event
- Jagannath Rath Yatra 2026
- Location
- Puri, Odisha, India
- Deities Involved
- Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Goddess Subhadra
- Destination Temple
- Gundicha Temple
- Duration of Stay
- Nine days
- Return Journey
- Bahuda Yatra on July 24, 2026
- Significance
- Symbolizes divine compassion and accessibility
- Special Offering
- Poda Pitha at Mausi Maa Temple