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Konark
Sun Temple
Konark Sun Temple
Peek into the past:
The most notable marvel of Orissan art is the stately Sun Temple of Konark,
Built in AD 1250, during the reign of the Eastern Ganga King
Narasimhadeva-I. The temple was built with the intent to enshrine the image
of Sun ("Arka"), the patron deity of the place. The temple was
built is an interesting fashion, in the shape of a colossal chariot,
carrying the sun God, Surya, across the heavens.
Crowning Glory of Orissa- Konark Sun Temple:
The exquisite Sun temple is a living monument of Orissa's glorious past,
frozen on the sands of time. The Sun Temple of Konark is regarded as the
peak of art and architecture in the ancient Kalinga era. The entire temple
complex in Konark was designed in the form of a huge chariot drawn by seven
spirited horses on twelve pairs of exquisitely carved wheels. The sanctum
symbolises the majestic parade of the Sun God and marks the apex of the
Orissan architectural style.
Prime attractions:
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Konark dance festival:
The three-day cultural extravaganza, held every year in the month of
December, captivates the audience from world over. Various Indian
classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Odisi, Kathakali etc
perform here. Besides the classical dance forms, Chau-Orissa's own folk
dance form is also performed during the festival.
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Konark beach: This beach
Offers spectacular views of sunrise and sunset. One of the finest
beaches of the east coast is the the sprawling beach of Konark known as
Chanrabhaga. Thousands of pilgrims assemble here on Kartik Purima and
Magha Saptami to take a holy dip in the sea. |
Visit Konark Temples ! Contact Us
» Ramachandi Temple:
About 10 km along the beach is the famous Ramachandi Temple on the banks of
the river Kushabhadra. It is an ideal picnic spot.
» Balighai: 20 kms from Konark the unspoiled beach is girdled
by casurina forests.It has a Sea Turtle Research Center.
» Beleswar(20 km): Saiva Shrine and Sea Beach
Chariot Temple:
The main temple complex consists of a sanctuary, its attached
porch(jagamohan) and an isolated pillared edifice. The whole fabric was
designed as the celestial chariot of the Sun God who is believed to course
across the sky in a chariot of seven horses. The twelve pairs of wheel,
which possibly symbolise the twelve months, are carved against the three
sides of the platform and two side, of the front(east) staircase.
Sailors once called this Sun Temple of Konarak the Black Pagoda because it
was supposed to draw ships into the shore and cause shipwrecks. The nata
mandir in front of the Jagamohan is also intricately carved.There are
carvings in the erotic style adorning the base and the ceiling of the
temple. There are three images of the Sun God, positioned to catch the rays
of the sun at dawn, noon and sunset. The beauty of Konark cannot be
expressed in words. It has to be visited, seen and savoured again and again.
Plan Your Trip:
The grandeur of the Sun temple can be witnessed in one day. However the
surrounding areas require you to spend some more time. Climate: The climate
of Konark is suitable for tourists to visit throughout the year. The pkush
greenery in the surrounding area attracts heavy monsoons in Konark. The best
season to visit Konark is between October and March.
Wheels To Konark:
» By Air: Nearest airport Bhubaneshwar- 64 kms is connected
with Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad, Madras and Nagpur.
» By Rail: Nearest railheads Puri- 31 kms and Bhubaneshwar- 64
kms are connected with the major places.
» By Road: Konark is well-connected with Bhubaneshwar as well
as the major places.
