Konark Sun Temple: The tantalising charm of Odisha
Dedicated to the Sun God, the world-renowned Konark Temple in Odisha was built in the 13th century. The exquisite and impeccable stone carvings and chariot-shaped architecture of the temple are epiphanic to look at. Basically, it reveals how the Sun God would roam around in his chariot. It has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 1984. The Sun Temple is the chief attraction of the Konark village, located on the Bay of Bengal coast.
It is believed that the King of the Ganga dynasty, Narasimhadeva, built the Sun Temple in 1250 AD. Presumably, he built the temple to commemorate the success of the Ganga dynasty against fatal Muslim intruders. Later in the 15th century, the Yavana army sacked the temple. It also suffered structural collapse due to its marshy foundation and was later restored during the British reign.
Following are the main attractions of the Konark Temple:
The Huge Chariot: The Konark Sun Temple is built in the form of a huge sun chariot. It has 12 pairs of stone-carved wheels, dragged by seven finely sculpted horses. Currently, only one of the horses remains intact.
Hall of Offerings: The eastern, sea-facing entrance opens into the Hall of Offerings or Bhogamandapa. This hall was a later addition and was constructed for dance rituals. The walls are embellished with exquisite carvings of musicians.
Sanctuary Tower: Initially the main attraction, only a few sandstone slabs remain today. The pyramidal roof now draws attention due to its imposing design, comprising three tiers adorned with statues of musicians. The final tier features a sculpture of Shiva Nataraja performing the cosmic dance.
Statue of Surya: The tantalising Statue of Surya is carved from green chlorite stone and is considered a rare masterpiece. A smaller statue of Aruna, the charioteer, is also present.
Other Sculptures: Similar to Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh, many erotic sculptures are carved into the temple walls. Other carvings include mythical beasts, floral motifs, deities, animals, and aquatic creatures.
Excursions from Konark Temple: Travellers can explore Chandrabhaga Beach (4 km), Puri (35 km), Bhubaneshwar (64 km), and Cuttack (81 km).
Shopping in Konark: Sculptures featuring Hindu deities and intricate carvings are popular here. Patta paintings are highly sought after by art lovers.
When to Reach: Konark can be visited year-round, though December is ideal due to the Konark Dance Festival.
How to Reach
Air: The closest airport is in Bhubaneshwar (64 km).
Rail: The nearest railway station is in Puri (35 km).
Road: State-run buses connect Konark with Puri and Bhubaneshwar.
