Tangi: Rath Yatra in Kankanasikhari near Nairee under Chilika block in Khordha district is unique as Lord Jagannath visits the Gundicha temple in a boat unlike the chariot.
This is known as the one of the secret hideouts of the Lord.
Here the Lord is taken out in a boat sharing the same name as that of his chariot for the annual sojourn. Before He is taken to his aunt’s temple, he is placed in the boat and goes around in Kankanasikhari.
It may be mentioned here that in 1611 when some bigots and foreigners invaded Puri Jagannath temple frequently the Lord was taken to Kankanasikhari to save from attacks of subedars like Kalyan Malla, Makram Khan, Mahmad Begum, Ekrom Khan and Taki Khan. He was taken in a boat to Kankansikhari and was placed secretly and rituals were performed.
Even today the Gundicha temple and Gundicha well are there carrying the past memories since after relocation of Lord Jagannath.
