The Konark Sun Temple was a genius expression of old Indian architecture and art. Born in the golden sands of time, that is 13th century under the reign of Eastern Ganga Dynasty King Narasimhadeva I, it stands today in its glory, grandeur, and wonder. Dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. It is famously known as the “Black Pagoda,” as the colour of the stone used for the construction of this temple was dark-colored. UNESCO declared this temple a World Heritage site in 1984. It just requires a little flash of sheer elegance in design and intricacy in carving to numb all historians, architects, and tourists all over the world.
Historical Importance of Konark Sun Temple
The Konark Sun Temple is said to have been constructed in 1255 CE. This was the final triumph of the victory of the king during the Muslim invasion times. It therefore satisfies all the demands that had been associated-a place of worship as well as an epitome of power that resides within the king with the devotions given towards the God of Sun. Histories also show that this is one of the leading pilgrim centers since it enlightens the way to the travelers passing through Bay of Bengal.
Architectural Glory
It has built as a grand chariot having twelve intricately inlaid wheels and seven galloping horses are the means of the chariot. In its own road as chariot has engraved the track of the path followed by sun while crossing in above the sky. Each one of these twelve wheels has replete with astonishingly tiny minute carvings exhibiting mythological scenes, flower patterns and doings of human daily life.
Important Architectural Features :
It is an old main temple which is completely devastated; it is also over 200 feet tall.
Incredibly rich sculptures are used on the design for it to create a look like it was of a very aesthetic exhibition of art and culture put into its construction-It is of the Kalinga style.
It carried exquisite sculputres in pillars, which was kept only in the Natya Mandap or dancing hall where exquisite male and female performing artists could be put on each side besides hundreds of singing characters as foreshadowing of huge significances in socio-cultural affairs.
- Sun Dials: Twelve wheels of the chariot would be sun dials and tell the time with accuracy depending upon how far the sun had moved along the way.
Symbolism and Spiritual Significance
It is nearly a miraculous spectacle of time and cosmic energy. Seven horses pulling a chariot was a symbol for seven days of a week, while twelve wheels symbolized the twelve months of a year. Sun God has been defined in three forms, also. The Sun God appears before men once during morning or noon or eve that defined the heavenly characteristic of the temple.
Elaborate Carvings and Arts
Among the most interesting places is the Konark Sun Temple, which is exceptionally rich in carvings. Thousands of carvings of the wall of the temple depict gods and goddesses, animals, cosmic beings, and scenes of life. The most interesting carvings have erotic forms to typify fertility and a celebration of life, an amiable theme throughout ancient Indian art temple culture.
Mysteries and Legends
Many myths and legends were carried on the crown of the Konark Sun Temple. One such interesting myth was attached to its magnet core-the structural support-for it was removed due to complaints it said, makes this magnetic field rotates the compass needle of sailors and the compass in it too. This brings about the case of the other boy teenager by the name Dharmapada who, after making an early vow that he will encounter death, the law refuses the offer as it desires him together with craftsmen taken under jurisdiction for the cause in the temples.
This monument has been suffering colossal damage for centuries due to natural calamities and due to invasion and structural decay. British East India Company had done some preliminary restoration works of the temple in the 19th century. Then, ASI has done considerable restoration works for this monument. Till today, taking pains all the vulnerabilities since the last few thousand years, the temple stands erect.
Visitor Information
Best time to visit: Visit the Konark Sun Temple during the period of October to March when it will be fine with the weather.
How to reach:
By Air: Biju Patnaik International Airport is located in Bhubaneswar and the distance is approximately 65 KM.
By Rail: It’s the near prominent railway station to the location from Puri 35 kilometers near from the Sun temple.
By Road: Very well connected by regular Bus and Taxi services towards Konark from both ends of places near Bhubaneswar and Puri.
Ticket Fees and Timings:
Ticket fee: For an Indian, it is INR 40 and INR 600 for foreign nationals.
- Timings: It remains open from sunrise to sunset.
Konark Dance Festival
The Konark Dance Festival is one of the most interesting and most energetic festivals held about the locality in the country, during December every year. Again this wonderful glory of brilliant temple reverberates with spectacular manifestations of traditions and classical arts through every renowned artist present here, and it has to be somewhat like a dancing festival, but being respectful to Indian cultural heritage one can get some fan groups joining the merriment.
This is one of the greatest glories of India: in its architectural beauty, in its spirit, and in the finesse with which the work is done. Time cannot seize this splendor and fine craftsmanship; they leave many dumbfounded with a sense of awe and reverence. It is a pilgrimage into the glorious history and heritage of Indian culture and spiritual practices.
FAQs
- Why Konark Sun Temple is known as “Black Pagoda”?
Konark Sun Temple is very well-known as “Black Pagoda”. The reason for this name is, the stone-built structure of the temple is found to be darkish in colour and since times immemorial, it acts as a landmark so that the sailors have directions. - What are the twelve wheels of Konark Sun Temple?
These twelve wheels work like sun dials and have twelve months as each of them shows one month out of the calendar of a year. - Konark Sun Temple was made by whom?
In 13th century by then King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. - Can I take photograph inside the Konark Sun Temple?
Photography is allowed within the temple premises. But any person, if one wants to take a photo through a drone then also the authorities concern allows that too.
**5. When does one plan to visit Konark Sun Temple? It would indeed be worthwhile to visit during the months between October and March in order to take up photography under fine climatic conditions.
