East India - Touristic Places in Orissa - Konark

About the Konark Temple
The Sun Temple is located in Konark, which is very close to the holy city of Puri. Konark derives its name from Konarka, the presiding deity of the Sun Temple. A distinctive feet of Kalinga architecture, it depicts the grace, joy and the rhythm of life. An architectural grandeur, the temple is covered with marvelously designed sculptures in all sizes. Although the Sun temple has lost its main sanctuary, but the remaining structure and the relics around testify the boundless creativity of Orissan artists and their contribution to the treasury of Indian Architecture.

Konark has been one of the earliest centres of Sun worshipping in India. Konark is mentioned in the Puranas as Mundirasvamin (later replaced by Konarka). Other religious books also talks about the presence of a Sun Temple in this region.

The Legend
Legend has it that the temple was constructed by Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, in honour of Sun God. Konark used to be a commercial centre of Kalinga. The present Sun Temple was built by King Narashimhadev I (AD 1238-64) of the Ganga dynasty. The temple was desecrated by an envoy of the emperor Jahangir in 17th century.

The Architecture
The entire temple has been designed in the form of a gigantic chariot of the Sun God, taking him across the heaven. It has 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, with a set of spokes and exquisite carvings. Seven horses drag the chariot. Two lions guard the entrance. The temple has faultless proportions of the dimensions and is amongst the best temples in India. The Sun temple belongs to the Kalinga School of Indian Temples. In shape, the temple didn't differ majorly from other temples of Orissa. The main sanctum (229 ft. high) got constructed along with the audience hall (128 ft. high). The main sanctum which enshrined the presiding deity has fallen off. The Audience Hall has though survived in its entirely, but other two- the Nata Mandir (Dancing Hall) and the Bhoga Mandap (Dining Hall) have been destroyed very much by the temper of time. The Temple compound measures 857 ft. by 540 ft. The Temple aligns on the east-west direction. The temple is located in natural surroundings, abounding with casuarina plantations and other types of trees, which grow on sandy soil.

Tourist Information
The Sun temple has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Visiting Hours: Open on all weekdays from sunrise to sunset.
Entry Fee: Entry fee for those above 12 years : Rs. 5.00; Free entry on Fridays.
When to visit: The best time to visit Konark is October to April.

Other Attractions near the Sun Temple
Mayadevi Temple
Near the temple are the remains of the Mayadevi temple. The temple was thought to be dedicated to one of the Surya's wives but now is believed to be the older Sun temple.

Archaeological Museum
One can also visit the Archaeological Museum, which is just outside the Sun Temple to witness many sculptures and carvings found during the temple excavations.

Konark Beach
For a change, 3 kilometres away from the temple is the Konark beach. Hire a bicycle or cycle-rickshaw to reach the beach and walk along the beach.

Getting There
Air: Nearest airport is at Bhubhaneswar, 65 Km away.
Rail: The nearest railheads from Konark are Bhubhaneswar and Puri.
Road: Konark is well connected by all -weather motorable roads to Puri, Bhubhaneswar and other parts of the state. It is 65 km from Bhubhaneswar and 35 km from Puri.

Accommodation
Konark offers various government approved accommodations at Panthanivas, Travellers lodge, Inspection Bungalow or yatri Nivas. One can also stay in the choicest hotels of Puri and Bhubaneswar.


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