HISTORY: The Konark Sun Temple, erected in the 13th century, is a sacred shrine for Surya, the Sun God, in India's medieval Kalinga area. The temple, named after the town's location, creates the illusion that the sun rises at an angle. Kalinga was ruled by the Eastern Ganga Dynasty from the 5th to 15th centuries AD, and it was chosen because it is depicted in ancient scriptures as Surya's sacred seat.
Location: Konark, OdishaTemple: UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Also referred to as Surya Devalaya or Black Pagoda.
Distances from major cities: Puri (34 km), Bhubaneshwar (67 km), Cuttack (82 km).
Timings: 6:00am to 8:00pm daily.
Entry Fee: ₹ 30 for Indians and ₹ 500 for visitors.
Entry passes for Konark Dance Festival cost ₹ 400 per person.
Photography Photographing for non-commercial purposes is free.
Built in 1250 AD, it is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and has an architectural style.The Odisha style of architecture, often known as Kalinga architecture, was commissioned by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. Attractions include a museum, a light and sound show, and the usage of chlorite, laterite, and khondalite rocks in a 2-acre area.
Significance: Hindus and history aficionados alike value the temple for its cultural and spiritual significance. It serves as a reservoir for ancient knowledge. The temple's orientation allows the first rays of the rising sun to flow through the main entrance and illuminate the sanctum sanctorum. Today, the temple represents the peaceful coexistence of artistic expression, science, and spirituality in ancient India.
The Sun Temple attracts people from all over the world, leaving them in awe of its architectural magnificence and historical significance. Every year, the Konark Dance Festival takes place against the backdrop of the temple, highlighting the region's rich cultural legacy through classical dance performances.
Interesting facts:
Twelve pairs of wheels:
The Konark Temple focuses on time. Every construction in the temple symbolizes the passage of time.
The twelve pairs of stone-carved wheels at the temple's base reflect the twelve months of the Hindu calendar. Each wheel in a pair represents the Sukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha.
A sundial-shaped wheel has eight spokes in total. Each spoke signifies a "Prahar" (three hours), hence eight spokes indicate twenty-four hours.
Seeing the shadows of the wheels allows one to precisely calculate the time of day. Each wheel has a diameter of 9 feet 9 inches.
Sun Viewing inside the temple during Dawn: The temple is designed to face towards the eastern side so that the first rays of the sunrise strike the main entrance of the temple. When viewed from outside during early morning it seems like a huge chariot gradually emerging from the depths of the sea carrying the Sun God.
Black Pagoda: The Sun Temple, also known as a Black Pagoda by European sailors, was built using stones imported from outside India via sea routes. It used chlorite, lanerite, and khondalite stones for door lintels, frames, sculptures, and the platform and staircases, showcasing India's trade relations during that time.
