Puri, June 6: Ahead of the much-anticipated Rath Yatra on June 27, the Gundicha Temple, revered as the birthplace of the deities of the Jagannath Temple, is undergoing significant enhancements to offer a visually delightful experience to both the deities and devotees.
Arabinda Kumar Padhee, Chief Administrator of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), shared details with the Times of India (TOI) about the beautification efforts. The transformation will involve a series of works, including stone cladding of the temple’s outer boundary wall, landscaping, and illumination arrangements, aimed at welcoming the deities to their birthplace during the grand procession.
The temple's exterior, which was previously made of brick, has been given a fresh coat of plaster and adorned with Khondalite stone, reflecting Odisha’s rich architectural heritage. Additionally, a protective fence is being installed around the wall to preserve its sanctity and limit public access.
As part of the landscaping initiative, ornamental trees are being planted around the shrine. The first phase of the beautification focuses on stone cladding the temple’s front wall, with plans to continue the treatment on the side and rear walls after the Rath Yatra celebrations.
In a bid to improve facilities for devotees, a new room has been constructed near the temple entrance for administrative purposes. This new addition complements the existing information center, and an LED display will be set up outside to provide live updates about rituals at the main Jagannath Temple, located just 3 km away along the Grand Road.
Padhee also mentioned that post-Rath Yatra, the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation Limited (OBCC) will carry out a comprehensive renovation of the temple’s interior, including upgrades to the kitchen and Nata Mandap (a ceremonial hall). New murals depicting the Jagannath culture will also adorn the walls inside the temple, further enhancing its cultural significance.
The Gundicha Temple, often referred to as the deities' “garden home” due to its lush surroundings, is typically empty except during the Rath Yatra, when the deities take residence there. With these ongoing enhancements, the temple is set to offer a more inviting and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere for all who visit during the festival.
