Konark Sun Temple

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About The City
Experience the age old legacy of Konark and take a fulfilling journey to self-discovery. In this contemporary world, ruled by techno-gizmos, it is hard to encompass the work that has gone into the architectural prodigy of the enchanting Sun Temple of Konark by the sweat of the brow and the skill of the hand.. Black stone was used in the construction of Konark temple in the beginning of the 13th century and is an astounding architectural masterpiece by itself. Konark has something for the gorgeous inclined tourist too…interesting museums, tranquil beach, cultural events and a fulfilling shopping experience. Konark is situated on the seashore, about 33 km north of Puri and 64 km from Bhubaneshwar.

Location of Konark
The legendary city of Konark is located 30 km north of Puri and 64 km from Bhubaneshwar and is very near to the coastline. The Sun temple, which is the main attraction here, was constructed in the 13th century. It was in ruins till the early 1900. In 1904, sand and debris around the temple was cleared and the sheer magnitude of its architect's imagination revealed itself.

Konark Sun Temple
The splendid Sun Temple at Konark is the pinnacle of Orissan temple architecture, and one of the most astonishing monuments of religious architecture in the world. The poet Rabindranath Tagore said of Konark that "Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man", and it is true that the experience of Konark is impossible to translate into words. The massive structure, now in ruins, sits in solitary grandeur surrounded by drifting sand. Today it is located two kilometers from the sea, but originally the ocean came almost up to its base. Until fairly recent times, in fact, the temple was close enough to the shore to be used as a navigational point by European sailors, who referred to it as the 'Black Pagoda'. Constructed by King Narasimhadeva in the thirteenth century, the entire temple was designed in the shape of a colossal chariot, carrying the sun God, Surya, across the heavens.

Surya has been a famous deity in India since the Vedic period and the following passages occur in a prayer to him in the 'Rig Veda'.

Konark has been called one of the last Indian temples in which a living tradition was at work, the 'brightest flame of a dying lamp'. As we gaze at these resplendent images of Surya pleasingly reigning over his exquisite stone world, we cannot help but feel that the passing of the legend has been nothing short of tragic.

The Legacy of the Konark Sun Temple
Constructed by Raja Narsimhadeva of the Ganga dynasty, in the 13th century AD, the temple is a pageant of human splendor, in its impression, and in the execution of even the finest details. It resembles a colossal chariot, with 24 wheels, pulled by seven straining horses, and has a three-tiered pyramidal roof topped off by a fine spire. The Sun - God's chariot, also represents the seven days of the week, and the 24 hours of the day, in its concept. The temple is a brilliant chronicle in stone, with imposive sculptures. Every aspect of life is represented here, and the erotic imagery, depicts the sublimation of human love manifested in countless forms. Scenes from court, civic life and war are also done with great precision.

Konark Sun Temple- World Heritage Site
Konark is quiet famous as the Sun Temple devoted to the Sun God or Surya. A masterpiece of Orissa's medieval architecture, it has been chosen as a United Nations (UNESCO) World Heritage Site

The Architectural Grandeur of the Konark Temple
The Konark temple is famous not only for its architectural splendor but also for the exquisite and profusion of sculptural work. The entire temple has been conceived as a chariot of the sun god with 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, with a set of spokes and elaborate carvings. Seven horses drag the temple. Two lions guard the entrance, crushing elephants. A flight of steps lead to the main entrance. The nata mandir in front of the Jagamohana is also intricately carved. Around the base of the temple, and up the walls and roof, are carvings in the erotic style. There are images of animals, foliage, men, warriors on horses and other interesting patterns. There are three images of the Sun God, positioned to catch the rays of the sun at dawn, noon and sunset

The temples of Orissa and Central India have their own distinct style, which began to resemble a range of mountains with columns of subsidiary halls also rising up towards the central column. The Konark Sun Temple belongs to the Central Indian style of Temple architecture, though it does not have tall shikharas of the later temples of Orissa and Central India.

Excursions from Konark

Chaurasi
Chaurasi is a famous site of the shrines devoted to Laxminarayanan, Amareshras and Barahi. Dating back to the 9th century AD, Barahi is the diety and worshipped according to tantrik practices. She is a mother goddess with the face of a boar and is depicted holding a fish in one hand and a cup in another.

Kurum
The village Kurum is located at a distance of 8 km from Konark. Specimens and exhibits of 7th & 8th century have been found in this unknown village. In this century Hinduism & Buddhism were merged with each other. However, in Hieun Tsang's writings (634 AD) Kurum has been referred to as a wealthy, prosperous and well-populated village. Among the numerous specimens there are a sort of script on stone, ancient coins, Buddhist caves etc which were recovered from the underground of UGME School. Enthusiasts can take an auto or a car from Konark and may visit the thatched room of the teacher Sri Braja Das adjoining the school, where these specimens are kept under his supervision.

Pipli
On the way to Konark is Pipli, famous for its exquisite applique work, which depict the essence of Oriya culture. It is also the home of the most colourful and original awnings, canopies, garden and beach umbrellas, shoulder and hand bags etc. The cocktail effect of the colours is certainly a feast for the eyes.

Ramachandi
Ramachandi, a enchanting tourist spot, 7 kms from Konark, is situated at the confluence of the river Kusabhadra and the Bay of Bengal. The deity of Konark, Goddess Ramachandi, is worshipped here.

Kakatapur
45 kms from Konark, Kakatapur is situated in the Prachi valley and is popular for its shrines of Goddess Mangala and Banadurga. legend has it that the directions for reaching the holy log from which is created Lord Jagannath's icon comes from her. The famous 'Jhamu Yatra' is held in April-May when devotees walk over a narrow trench strewn with embers.

Konark Beaches
Konark also has enticing beaches within the circumference of 3 km from the temple. You can see here local fishermen at work. Closer to the beach lies the sacred pond, Chandrabhaga, place where Samba, son of lord Krishna, was cured of leprosy. In the month of Jan/ Feb for a couple of days (full moon phase of Magha) it also is the site of a big religious festival called the Magha Saptmai Mela. Thousands of pilgrims converge on the pool to take a holy dip in its curative waters and then shuffle off to the beach to watch the Sun rise over the sea. This is followed by a worship of the Nabagrahas (nine planets).

Astranga
A famous fishing harbour, Astranga lies 55 kms from Konark. Washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal, with its magnificent sunsets, the place really lives upto its name.