Konark Sun Temple

Konark Temple is the most popular and major attraction of Konark in Orissa. Konark is located at an approximate distance of 65 kms from Bhubaneshwar and 35 kms from Puri. The term 'Konark' has been derived from 'Kona' and 'Arka' that means 'Corner' and 'Sun' respectively. Konark is actually positioned on the north-east corner of Puri, so this is how it came to be known as Konark. In 1250 AD, Konark temple was built by King Narsingha Deva to commemorate his victory over Muslims. The temple is basically dedicated to Lord Suyra or Sun God. Due to this fact, it is also popular as Sun Temple. The intricate carvings and rich sculpture make this temple truly a sight to behold.

The architecture of the temple makes one to admire the Orissan style of art. The special feature of this temple is that the shrine wholly erected in the form of a huge chariot. This chariot is placed on twelve pairs of splendidly carved wheels and drawn by seven dynamic horses. According to one saying, these 12 pair of wheels symbolizes 24 hours in a day, while the other say, these wheels represent 12 months of the year. Seven days of the week are said to be the representation of seven horses. The wheels of this chariot have an interesting fact behind their formation. Each wheel has a set of eight spokes and these spokes serve as sundials. The shadows made by these sundials give exact time of the day.

On the entrance, one can see two huge lions that appear to be guarding the temple. To reach the main shrine, a flight of steps is required to be taken. On climbing the stairs, two life-size statues of horses are visible on both sides. Inside the temple, walls imprinted with intricate carvings, sculptures and bas-reliefs (figures projecting from a plain background) can enthrall the aesthetic sense of any beholder. The main sanctum represents the regal stride of the Lord Surya. The actual idol of Sun God was removed from here and had been positioned in the Jagannath Temple.

The temple also comprises a 'Nat Mandapa' or Dancing Hall that is profound in its carvings. The images are carved in an erotic style and posture. These carvings depict figures of divine, semi-divine, human and animal figures along with floral and geometric adornment. The beautiful damsels and danseuse are noteworthy for their sensuous appeal. These sculptures appear full of emotions and gestures, which certainly generate a feeling in the heart of the onlooker.

However, the grand structure of this temple is mostly in ruins, still its exceptional architecture attracts people from both far and near. In India, Konark is one of the oldest places of Sun worshipping, mentioned in the ancient scriptures like 'Puranas'. Since the Vedic period, Lord Surya has been a popular deity in India. The Kings used to worship the Sun, seeking his blessings and brightness. The temple was conceived in the form of a chariot as it forms the mount of Lord Surya. The Sun God is shown in three images, which are actually sited in a way, so that they can face the Sun at dawn, noon and sunset.

Sun Temple is accredited for being one of the largest temples of India. Encircled by drifting sands, Sun Temple is a masterpiece shaped as a Chariot, as if, carrying the Sun God from the Heaven. The temple is said to have built in the time span of 16 years with the effort of 1200 masons. In the ancient times, sailors used to call the temple, a 'Black Pagoda', since the magnetic spire lured the ships to the shore causing shipwrecks. The temple was desecrated in the early 18th century by the attacks of Mughal Emperor, Jahangir. In the late 19th century, the remnants of this temple were excavated.

Initially, the temple was comprised of Gajasimha (Main Entrance), Nat Mandir (Dance Hall), Jagamohan (Audience Hall) and Deul (Main Sanctum). In the present day, Deul is not present since it collapsed late back, however Jagmohana is still there. Till date, people come to visit this striking temple of splendid architecture that has gained popularity all over the Globe.One of the most stunning monuments of religious significance, a true masterpiece of architecture proudly stands in the form of Sun Temple at Konark. A culmination of Oriya architecture, the temple is a wonderful place as the language of stone defeats the human language here. Built in 13th century by King Narasimhadeva, the temple is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with seven horses and twelve wheels, carrying the sun god, Surya, across heavens.

Located at a manageable distance from the seat of Lord Jagannath, Puri at 35 kms; the temple is around 65 kms from the capital city of Bhubaneswar. The name of Konark temple is an amalgamation of two words--Kona meaning corner and Arka meaning the Sun. That is to say that the Sun god worshipped in Ark Kshetra is called Konark. Legend says that after killing the demon Gyasur, Lord Vishnu placed his belongings at several places to commemorate the victory. With His conch at Puri, Disc in Bhubaneshwar and Mace in Jajapur; He placed the Lotus at Konark.

The temple being an important landmark in the coastal voyage of European sailors was named 'The Black Pagoda' by them. The mythological reference states that Lord Krishna's son Samba was smitten with leprosy due to his father's curse. The former underwent severe penance for 12 years at Mitravana near the confluence of Chandrabhaga River with the sea at Konark and ultimately succeeded in pleasing the God Surya, the healer of all skin diseases, and was cured of his illness. In gratitude, he decided to erect a temple in the honor of Surya.

While bathing in the river on the following day, he found an image of God, fashioned out of Surya's body by Viswakarma. Samba installed this image in a temple built by him in Mitravana, where he propitiated the God. Since then, this place has been regarded as sacred.

In ancient times worship of Sun god was in vogue and the people were accustomed with the worship of two Supreme deities--one mother Earth as Dharitri Maata and the other the Sun, the Dharam devata. Sun god is regarded as the supreme lord of the universe and the prime object of life giving energy, being the healer of diseases and bestower of desires.

Surya has been a popular deity in India since Vedic period. Therefore, it is described in Rig Veda regarding Prayer of Sun God as follows. It was dedicated to the Sun-God (Arka) popularly called Biranchi-Narayan, and the tract in which it is situated was known as Arka-Kshetra as well as padma-kshetra. Among the five great religious zones or Kshetra which were located in Odisha (Orissa), Konark was considered to be one, the other four being Puri, Bhubaneswar, Mahavinayak, and Jajpur.

There are several smaller shrines situated in the neighborhood of the Sun Temple. In them are found Rameswar,Chitreswara,Tribeniswara, and Utpaleswar, all Siva-lingas; and Ramachandi Rudrani, Khileswari, Charchika and Chitreswari, various forms of Goddess Durga. Legends embodied in the Kapila Samhita, the Madala Panji, and the Prachi-mahatmya, take the sanctity of Konark back to mythical times. The legends of these late texts are an obvious adaptation of a much earlier tradition as recorded in the Bhavisya Purana and the Samba Purana.