With their elaborate designs and fascinating stories, Indian temples are a must-see. People from all over the globe, pilgrims, and tourists, pour into these temples. Visiting Konark Sun Temple is a great way to taste this magnificence.
As the temple is devoted to Surya, the name Konark comes from the Sanskrit terms “Kona” and “ark,” which mean “angle” and “the Sun,” respectively. Let us take a look at some of the temple’s noteworthy facts.
Architecture Of The Konark Sun Temple
Large-scale examples of the ancient Kalinga architecture from Odisha may be seen in Konark’s Sun Temple, also known as the Odisha style. It resembles a large chariot pulled by a team of powerful stone horses and ridden by a dozen pairs of finely carved giant stone wheels.
The temple’s main entrance is bathed in the first rays of the dawn light because of the temple’s easterly inclination.
Despite the ravages of time, only the smaller sanctuary has remained intact. It is almost 100 feet tall and covered with beautiful stone sculptures. Similar to the Khajuraho Temple of Madhya Pradesh, this sanctuary’s exquisite artwork, themes, and symbolism feature sensual representations.
Konark Sun Temple’s Must-See Attractions:
Jagmohan Or Mandapa
Mandapa, or Jagmohan because it is known in Odisha, is the gigantic edifice with intricately carved door jambs that you see here. For safety reasons, no one is permitted to ascend to the top of the structure. However, the Chlorite stone doorjambs in green with elaborate carvings may be seen. Khondalite or Laterite stone make up the remainder of the building. There are no local sources for these stones.
Thus, they must have been transported across the Chanrabhaga river. In the opinion of scholars, the stones were first smoothed, fastened, and then engraved in situ. Having the ability to work with such a hard stone is a valuable asset. In addition, the Sun’s movement aligns the doors.
Both front and rear doors get the sun rays on the day of the equinox, while the two side doors receive the Sun throughout its northern and southern movements.
Erotica or Maithuna Figures
According to my ASI guidebook, 9 Rasa or emotions are listed in Indian literature on this temple. Love and romance are shown in erotica that draws our attention as much as the other emotions. Another theory is that they are linked to Odisha’s tantric tradition of devotion.
Bhoga Mandapa
You may observe drains and water channels flowing to a platform on the temple’s side grounds. The Bhoga Mandapa, or kitchen-dining area, may have been located here. Two wells surround it, as well.
Chandrabhaga Tank
This region was formerly home to the Chandrabhaga River, which flowed into the sea. Today, a little tank with the same name serves as its mascot. In this tank, pilgrims can take a sacred plunge. The sea and the Ramchandi temple are only a short drive away. Every year on Magh Shukla Saptami, the Chandrabhaga Mela is celebrated.
When Is The Best Time To Go To The Konark Sun Temple?
Here is all you need to know about Konark Sun Temple, a Unesco World Heritage located in India. The greatest time to visit Konark is between September and March when the weather is mostly nice since it is a seaside town.
However, summer should be avoided due to the town’s sweltering temperatures and oppressive humidity. It is also tiring to stand in the heat all day long if you want to spend all your time looking at the intricate carvings on the chariot. Your body won’t have to work so hard to get about.
From 6 am to 10 pm, this Konark Sun Temple is available for visitors. The finest time to visit this temple is in the morning since it is devoted to the god Surya. That’s when you get to view the building in its full splendor. A shared vehicle or a short walk from the parking lot will get you to the chariot.
How to Reach Konark Sun Temple, Odisha
The Konark Sun Temple is located in the state of Odisha, India. It can be reached by air, rail, or road. The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar, which is about 60 km away, and the nearest railway station is puri which is 35 kilometers away.
The best way to reach the temple is by taking a train to Puri and then hiring a taxi or auto-rickshaw to take you to Konark.
You can also take a bus to Puri and then take a local bus or auto-rickshaw to Konark. If you’re driving, you can take the coastal road from Puri to Konark. The journey takes about an hour.
Festivals at Konark Sun Temple
Every year at Konark, in front of the Sun Temple, and Konark dance festival is held. India’s classical and traditional dances are shown during the event.
What Is The Tradition Of The Konark Dance Festival?
The festival’s founder-director, the late Master Gangadhar Pradhan, was also a renowned Odissi dance guru. The Konark Dance Festival, a collaborative endeavor between Orissa Tourism and the Odissi Research Facility, has a distinct personality. The event, which takes place in the magnificent Sun Temple in Konark’s Natyashala, is a sight.
Orissa’s cultural and spiritual values are reflected in the refined performances of Indian classical dance professionals. In addition to the traditional dances, a market is held that offers handcrafted products, handicrafts, and kiosks specializing in various Indian cuisines. The fair lends a unique flavor to the festival’s vibrant colors.
Ghungroos and Phakawaj’s beats reverberate for five days inside the Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to the flute’s melody. It’s easy to be sucked into a dream world with these tunes. Open-air platforms are reminiscent of the famed Shakespearean period, with pits that open up to the sky.
Why Konark Sun Temple’s Such Unique Attraction:
- The Sanskrit words Kona, which means an angle or corner, and Arka, which means the Sun, combine to form the name Konark.
- As seen from the inland at dawn and sunset, the Sun Temple seems to emerge from the sea with its god, the Sun.
- Each of the Sun Temple’s enormous wheels is a sundial, allowing visitors to read the time to the nearest minute accurately.
- There are seven days in a week, of which seven horses symbolize the Sun Temple’s design.
- One of the most important temples in Odisha is the Konark Sun Temple, which serves as the third and final link in the golden triangle of temples between Puri and Bhubaneswar.
Conclusion
At first glance, the Sun Temple at Konark is a breathtaking sight. Seeing it in person is the best way to appreciate its majesty and beauty.
Why not make a journey to Konark to see this magnificent structure for you? Bhubaneshwar, one of the main cities near Konark, is a good place to stay if you are looking for a place to stay.
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