Location
- Orissa
Best Time To Visit - November to February
India is a religious country, a statement though cliched but indeed true.
People from all across the globe visit India to have a look at its various
religious spots , in order to get the real feel of India.
The Sun Temple at Konark is one of the most stupendous monuments of
religious architecture in the world. One can find a perfect religious and
spiritual satisfaction after visiting the Sun Temple at Konark. It is
located 35 km north of Puri and is considered to be one of the finest
buildings of the world. It was built by King Narshimhadeva in the thirteenth
century. The entire temple has been designed in the shape of a colossal
chariot, with seven horses and 12 wheels, carrying the Sun God, Surya across
the heavens.
Temple in the Making
Golden Pagoda, Konaditya and Arkakshetra are the other two names of the Sun
Temple at Konark. According to a legend, the temple was constructed by
Samba, the son of Lord Krishna. It is said that Samba was afflicted by
leprosy, brought about by his father's cure on him. After 12 years of
penance and hardships, he got finally cured by Lord Surya, the Sun God.
Therefore the temple was built in the honour of Sun God. It is also assumed
that the temple couldn't be shaped in the manner as was decided, mainly
because the foundation was not strong to bear the heavy weight of the dome.
Art & Architecture
Konark Sun Temple is one of the grandest temples of India. The temple is a
superb example of architectural grandeur. Apart from the architectural
highlights, the temple is also known for the intricacy and profusion of
sculptural works. It was rightly said by the poet Rabindranath Tagore that "
Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man".
The carvings on the walls of the temples reminds a visitor of the erotic
art forms of Khajuraho. The 24 wheels of the temple are each 10 feet in
diameter. The wheels are beautifully carved and draws umpteen tourists
towards them. On the walls and the roofs, the images of animals, foliage,
men, warriors on horses and other interesting patterns are found. There are
three images of the Sun God, positioned in a way so as to catch the rays of
the sun at dawn, noon and sunset. The overall archotecture of the temple can
be said to have based on the Central Indian style. However it does not have
tall shikharas of the later temples of Orissa and Central India.
Apart from the temple there lies a small museum, that informs the tourists
of the past golden era that once existed and now lies in ruins.
Feather to the Cap
The Konark Sun Temple has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
in the year 1984. The temple enjoys immense importance of the tourists. If
in Orissa, visiting the Konark Sun Temple is a must. Konark is also home to
an annual dance festival, held every December, devoted to classical Indian
dance forms, including the traditional classical dance of Orissa, Odissi.
