Konark Sun Temple or the Black Pagoda, is one of the famous tourist attractions of Orissa. The massive temple dedicated to the Sun God, forms the Golden triangle of Orissa, namely Bhubaneswar, Konark and Puri. Built in 1278 A.D by King Narasimha Deva of Ganga dynasty, Konark Sun Temple is one of the biggest temples of India. Inlate 19th century the ruins of this temple were found in excavation.
Architecture :
The Sun Temple has been listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This temple is not only renowned for its architectural grandeur, but also for the intricacy and sculptures. The structure of the temple resembles a chariot of the Sun god, with 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, with a set ofspokes and executed carvings. The chariot pulled by seven horses, has at hree-tiered pyramidal roof with a delicate spire. The chariot of Sun godalso depicts seven days of the week and the 24 hours of the day. Here every aspect of life has been portrayed, the erotic images represent the sublimation of human emotions in various forms. In addition the images from court, civic life and war are depicted here.
» Konark Dance Festival - The Konark Sun Temple is the venue for the popular Konark Dance Festival, which is celebrated annually in the month of December. The famous classical dancers from allover the country perform various forms of dances like Bharat Natyam, Kathak,Odissi and Kathakali etc.
Attractions in and around Konark Sun Temple :
» Museum - The museum established by Archeological Survey of India, is just outside the temple complex. The museum houses manysculptures and carvings from the ruins of the Sun Temple. The stone images of nine planet deities, the Navagrahas, which were originally set above the temple's ornamental doorways is now kept as a living shrine.
» Konark Beach - The beach is situated at a distance of 3 Kms from the Sun temple. The picturesque beach offers the beautiful sight of sunrise. One can enjoy sunbathe with the splendour viewof Sun Temple.
Excursions :
» Ramachandi - Ramachandi beach is situated 7 Kms away from Konark temple. Located at the confluence of the river Kusabhadra and the Bay of Bengal, this is a beautiful picnic spot. Goddess Ramachandi,the deity of Konark is worshipped here.
» Kuruma - Kuruma is located 8 Km away from KonarkTemple. The Archeological department have excavated many Buddhist site shere. In a recent excavation the archeologists have found the antique imagesof Buddha seated in Bhumisparsa Mudra (earth-touching pose) along with the image of Heruka. It is said that the image is related to Buddha Akshobhya family (water element).
Accessibility :
Konark Sun Temple has no direct connection by air. Bhubaneswar and Puri are Nearest airports. The nearest railheads are Puri and Bhubaneswar.
» Air - The nearest airheads are Bhubaneswar (65Kms) and Puri (36 Kms). The airports are well connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad etc.
» Rail - Puri (36 Kms) and Bhubneswar (65 Kms) are nearest railheads. These railheads are connected to all major cities of the country like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad etc.
» Road - The OTDC operates regular buses for the temple from nearby cities. The cars on rent are available from Bhubaneswar for a round trip of the Sun Temple.
Accommodation :
One can stay at the OTDC run hotels next to the Sun Temple. Konark is very near to Bhubaneswar and Puri so one can stay there, as there are more accommodation choices.
Best Time to Visit :
The town is located very close to the sea, so the climate remains some what pleasant. The temple can be visited through out the year, but the best timeto visit the place is between October and March.
