Time Moves On At Sun Temple in Konark

Konark, in Orissa, is known for its Sun Temple. It is the most famous sun temple in India. ‘Konark’ is derived form Kona, meaning ‘corner’ and Arka, meaning ‘sun’. Its exquisite carvings, stone chariots and carvings make it a popular tourist spot. It is located in Orissa’s Puri district, which is also known for the Puri Jagannath Temple.

The town of Konark is also known as Konaditya and Arkakshetra. The Sun Temple was built in 1278 CE by Narasimha Deva, of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The Temple is called the Black Pagoda as it is built in black granite, and is a UNESCO world Heritage Site.

The temple resembles a gigantic solar chariot: it has with twelve pairs of exquisitely-ornamented wheels dragged by seven sculpted horses. Certain areas of the temple and its premises were under sand and mould, before it was restored. Parts of the Dancing Hall and the Hall of Offering still stand. The erotic sculptures and carvings remind you of the Khajuraho temple of Madhya Pradesh.

The Mayadevi Temple, which is to the west of the main temple, has a sanctum and a Jagamohana (porch). Mayadevi is believed to be one of the wives of Lord Surya. This temple predates the main temple. The brick Vaishnava Temple, uncovered in 1956, had images of Balarama and two parsvadevatas of Varaha and Trivikrama. They are now displayed in the Archaeological Museum at Konark. This temple is dated to circa 11th century A.D.

Tourists can also attend the Konark dance festival, held every December, in an open-air theatre near the Sun Temple. The fest, which is a centre for dancers of Kathak, Chau, Odissi and Bharatanatyam, also has a crafts mela.

Puri is 33km away. There are buses and taxis from Puri to Konark. Frequent buses also connect it to Orissa’s capital Bhubaneshwar.