Sun Temple,Giant chariot and the stone wheels, pillars, Konark

Sun Temple, Konark

The Sun Temples of Konark are one of the most famous Sun Temples of India. Dedicated to the Sun God, the temple was created in the early 13th century and is also called by the name 'Black Pagoda'. Konark Sun Temple is in the form of a giant chariot and the stone wheels, pillars, walls are all exquisitely and intricately carved. Unfortunately, most of the carvings are now in ruins due to natural calamities and foreign invasions.

The temple is known for 'Maithunas' which are the erotic sculptures on the temple walls. Britishers have called the Konark Temple 'most beautiful and yet the most obscene'. However, the erotic sculptures on the Sun Temple are explained by archaeologists, especially by A.K. Coomaraswamy, stating that the sculptures are a depiction of Indian sex-symbolism which is ‘sacramental’ in its likeness to the union of the individual soul with the universal spirit. The sculptures are a part of Samsara which the human must ultimately give up to reach within, on the path of Moksha.

Konark Sun Temple

Mayadevi Temple
To the west of the primary temple are the remains of temple no.2 prominently called the temple of Mayadevi, accepted to have been one of the wives of Lord Surya. But the existence of the sun pictures as parsvadevata in-situ show its devotion to the sun god, build earlier than the principle Sun temple. The temple facing east, comprises of a sanctum (deul) and a porch (Jagamohana) standing over a raised stage, façade of which is relieved with ornamentation. The superstructures of the sanctum and porch are missing. The interior of the porch is famous for their sculptural treatment while the sanctum is without any deity. Elaborately, the temple is assignable to around late eleventh century AD.

Vaishnava Temple
The small brick temple facing east in south-west corner of the compound was found in 1956 while the sand clearance. Also called temple no.3 is pancharatha on plan. It comprises of a deul and a Jagamohana however with the superstructure is missing and exterior decoration. Pictures of Balarama and two parsvadevatas of Varaha and Trivikrama were uncovered (now showed in Archeological Museum, Konark) demonstrating its Vaishnava association. The temple is datable to around eleventh century A.D.

History
In 1559, Mukunda Gajapati came to throne in Cuttack. He adjusted himself as an associate of Akbar and a foe of the Sultan of Bengal, Sulaiman Khan Karrani. After a couple of fights, Odisha at last fell. The fall was additionally helped by the inward turmoil of the state. In 1568, the Konark temple was said harmed by the armed force of Kalapahad, a general of the Sultan. Kalapahad is additionally said to be in charge of harms to a few different temples throughout the victory.

As described in Bhavishya Purana and Samba Purana, there may have been a sun temple in the region earlier than current one, dating to the nineteenth century or prior. The books mention three sun temples at Mundira (perhaps Konark), Kalapriya (Mathura), and Multan.

According to the scriptures, Samba, the child of Krishna, was cursed with leprosy. He was guided by the sage, Kataka, to worship the sun god to cure his sustenance. Samba did penance for a long time 12 years in Mitravana close to the shores of Chandrabhaga. Both the real Konark temple and the Multan temple have been credited to Samba.

Near by traveler spots

• Chandrabhaga 3.5 km From Konark Temple
• Ramachandi 8 km From Konark Temple
• Bhagabati Temple, Konark 2 km From Konark Temple
• Kuruma 6 km From Konark Temple
• Puri 35 km From Konark Temple
• Beleswar
• Chilika 70 km From Konark Temple
• Bhubaneswar
• Gopalpur Beach
• Kenduli Sasan

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Konar - The Sun temple

Konark - world famous SUN temple

About The City
Experience the age old legacy of Konark and take a fulfilling journey to self-discovery. In this contemporary world, ruled by techno-gizmos, it is hard to encompass the work that has gone into the architectural prodigy of the enchanting Sun Temple of Konark by the sweat of the brow and the skill of the hand.. Black stone was used in the construction of Konark temple in the beginning of the 13th century and is an astounding architectural masterpiece by itself. Konark has something for the gorgeous inclined tourist too…interesting museums, tranquil beach, cultural events and a fulfilling shopping experience. Konark is situated on the seashore, about 33 km north of Puri and 64 km from Bhubaneshwar.
Location of Konark
The legendary city of Konark is located 30 km north of Puri and 64 km from Bhubaneshwar and is very near to the coastline. The Sun temple, which is the main attraction here, was constructed in the 13th century. It was in ruins till the early 1900. In 1904, sand and debris around the temple was cleared and the sheer magnitude of its architect's imagination revealed itself.



Excursions from Konark

Chaurasi
Chaurasi is a famous site of the shrines devoted to Laxminarayanan, Amareshras and Barahi. Dating back to the 9th century AD, Barahi is the diety and worshipped according to tantrik practices. She is a mother goddess with the face of a boar and is depicted holding a fish in one hand and a cup in another.
Kurum
The village Kurum is located at a distance of 8 km from Konark. Specimens and exhibits of 7th & 8th century have been found in this unknown village. In this century Hinduism & Buddhism were merged with each other. However, in Hieun Tsang's writings (634 AD) Kurum has been referred to as a wealthy, prosperous and well-populated village. Among the numerous specimens there are a sort of script on stone, ancient coins, Buddhist caves etc which were recovered from the underground of UGME School. Enthusiasts can take an auto or a car from Konark and may visit the thatched room of the teacher Sri Braja Das adjoining the school, where these specimens are kept under his supervision.

Pipli
On the way to Konark is Pipli, famous for its exquisite applique work, which depict the essence of Oriya culture. It is also the home of the most colourful and original awnings, canopies, garden and beach umbrellas, shoulder and hand bags etc. The cocktail effect of the colours is certainly a feast for the eyes.

Ramachandi
Ramachandi, a enchanting tourist spot, 7 kms from Konark, is situated at the confluence of the river Kusabhadra and the Bay of Bengal. The deity of Konark, Goddess Ramachandi, is worshipped here.

Kakatapur
45 kms from Konark, Kakatapur is situated in the Prachi valley and is popular for its shrines of Goddess Mangala and Banadurga. legend has it that the directions for reaching the holy log from which is created Lord Jagannath's icon comes from her. The famous 'Jhamu Yatra' is held in April-May when devotees walk over a narrow trench strewn with embers.

Konark Beaches
Konark also has enticing beaches within the circumference of 3 km from the temple. You can see here local fishermen at work. Closer to the beach lies the sacred pond, Chandrabhaga, place where Samba, son of lord Krishna, was cured of leprosy. In the month of Jan/ Feb for a couple of days (full moon phase of Magha) it also is the site of a big religious festival called the Magha Saptmai Mela. Thousands of pilgrims converge on the pool to take a holy dip in its curative waters and then shuffle off to the beach to watch the Sun rise over the sea. This is followed by a worship of the Nabagrahas (nine planets).

Astranga
A famous fishing harbour, Astranga lies 55 kms from Konark. Washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal, with its magnificent sunsets, the place really lives upto its name.