konark-sun-temple

One of the Seven Wonders of India: Konark Sun Temple

Konark Sun Temple is constructed in 13th-century. It is believed that the temple was built by king Narasimhadeva. The shape of the temple is like a gigantic chariot, having elaborately carved stone wheels, pillars and walls.  A major part of the structure is now in ruins. The temple is located at a distance of 35 km from Puri and 65 km from Bhubaneswar.

According to history King Narasimhadeva used to worship the Sun, the temple was considered as a chariot for the Sun God. The temple was also called the Black Pagoda by the European sailors. The temple was built at the mouth of river Chandrabhaga. Konark temple is world famous for its realistic art.

According to the Madala Panji, there was another temple in the region of Konark temple and it was built by one Pundara Kesari.

Arts and Places to Explore at Konark Sun Temple

There are 12 pairs of wheels. The 12 pair wheels represent the 12 months of the year and the eight spokes of each wheel symbolize the eight ideal stages of a woman’s day.

There are seven horses, pull the sun temple eastwards towards the dawn, represent the days of the week.

The Nata mandir refers to the time of the devadasis tradition. Dancers lived in temple premises solely dedicating their lives to reputed dance forms like Odissi and Bharathanatyam.

Archaeological Site Museum is located little away from the main sun temple in north direction. The museum has four galleries displaying 260 various antiquities.

Konark Matha located near the sun temple. No deity is worshipped here. The concept of the Math is based on the Sunya Sadhana or the contemplation of the Eternal void.

Navagraha Temple is located just outside the Sun Temple compound. There is a huge chlorite slab of 20 feet long, four high and 7 feet) deep with idols of nine planets made with black chlorite stone.

Other beautiful monuments near Konark Temple

Ramchandi Temple is situated at the bank of river Kushabhadra which flows into the Bay of Bengal. This is a good picnic spot.

Kuruma, a famous Buddhist site is located 8k.m away from the Sun temple.

Astranga located 19k.m from Konark. It is a famous picnic spot and fishing village near Konark. This place is the center place for salt production in Konark.

Vishnu Temple a broken temple, located behind the Ramachandi temple. This temple is also known as brick temple.

How to reach?

By flight– The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, about 60 km away from where one can get taxis, trains and buses to reach at Konark.

By train– The nearest railway stations is at Puri railway station.

By road– There are regular buses and Jeeps to Konark from Puri.

Best Time to visit Konark Temple

The best time to visit Konark is from month of October to March.