The Nakachana Dwara: Unveiling the Mystical Gate of the Gundicha Temple

The Gundicha Temple in Puri, the destination of Lord Jagannath during the annual Rath Yatra, has a unique architectural design, and each element of the temple has its unique symbolic significance. The second gate of the temple, known as the Nakachana Dwara (Nose Ornament Gate), stands out for its intriguing name and the legends that surround it. Let’s explore the stories behind this gate and their spiritual significance.

The Legends of Nakachana Dwara

The Nakachana Dwara has several interesting stories behind its name. The most popular one involves the queen of King Indradyumna:

• Queen Gundicha’s Ornament: It is said that King Indradyumna’s wife, Queen Gundicha, possessed a precious gold nose ornament, called a nakachana, studded with diamonds. She sold this ornament and used the proceeds to build the second gate of the Gundicha Temple. This act of devotion led to the gate being named the Nakachana Dwara in her memory.

While this story is popular, other legends also exist:

• Queen of Kapilendra Deva: Some believe that the gate was constructed during the reign of King Kapilendra Deva. It’s said that the queen built the second gate with money obtained from the sale of her nose ornament, and the gate was named to honor her contribution.

• The Anger of Goddess Lakshmi: According to another legend, on the day of Hera Panchami, Goddess Lakshmi visited the Gundicha Temple and became enraged after the tera (special bell) of the Sandhya Dhupa fell. In her anger, she exited through the southern gate. As she rushed out, her nose ornament (nakachana) fell off. This ornament is said to have been shaped like a chana (a type of lentil). To honor this event, the gate is called the Nakachana Dwara.

The Significance of the Gate

Although the devotees enter through the Singha Dwara (Lion’s Gate) of the Gundicha Temple, during the Bahuda Pahandi (return journey of the deities) the Lord Jagannath and his siblings are brought back to their chariots through the Nakachana Dwara. This underscores that even though the deities enter through one gate, their divine will is what determines the course of their movements and that their departure is equally important as their arrival. Therefore, this gate is also called the Vijaya Dwara (Victory Gate).

A Place of Devotion and Tradition

The Nakachana Dwara is more than just a gate; it’s a place that is steeped in lore, devotion, and historical significance. It represents the intersection of faith, art, and tradition, highlighting the many different ways in which the divine has been honored through time. It is a place where the Lord comes to visit, and also a place through which he returns home.

Bringing the Sacred Lore Home

If you are fascinated by the stories and the historical significance of the Nakachana Dwara, explore the handcrafted items at justkalinga.com. With worldwide shipping, you can bring a piece of this sacred place and its rich narrative into your own home.

Jai jagannath 😊 🙏