Sun Temple Konark
Hindu Temples | February 24, 2010Sun Temple Konark is a 13th century located at Konark in the state of Orissa in India. The temple was built by King 
Narasimhadeva I (1263-64 CE) of Eastern Ganga dynasty. Konark temple has found a place in the World Heritage Site list.
Architecture:
The architecture of the Sun Temple is modeled on huge chariot of Surya, the Sun God, drawn by seven horses and has twenty-four gigantic wheels made of stone carving. The entrance has statues of two giant lions, each crushing upon a war elephant. There is a Nata Mandir (where dancers performed dance to pay homage to the Sun God). Part of the temple now lies in ruins and some of the sculptures from the temple have been preserved in Sun Temple Museum.
Sun Temple Konark belongs to the Kalinga School of Indian temples featuring curvilinear towers mounted by cupolas.
About Konark:
The name Konark emerges from ‘Konarka’ (combination of ‘Kona’ meaning corner and ‘Arka’ meaning sun). It was a busy port during the days of the erstwhile Kingdom of Kalinga, the former name of Orissa. The temple at Konark was vandalized by Kalapahad in the 16th century.
Attractions in Konark:
- Sun Temple
- Chandrabhaga sea beach, one of the finest in eastern India
- Museum of Archeological Survey of India, which has a collection of Oriya architecture.
- Buddhist archaeological heritage at Kuruma, located about 8 km from Konark.
- Shrines of Amareswar, Laxminarayan, and Barahi at Chaurasi.
- Ashtranga, a centre of salt production and fishing, is located at 91 km from Puri and 10 km from Kakatpur.
- Magha Saptami Mela organized in the month of Magha (January-February) during full moon. It is followed by puja of the Navagrahas (Nine Planets).
- Konark Dance Festival
- Pipili, known for its appliqué craft
- Chilika lake
Best time to visit:
October to March is the best time to visit Sun Temple Konark. March to June is very hot while rains lash this part of the country from July to September.
Reaching Konark:
By air:
Biju Pattnaik Airport located in Bhubaneswar, about 64 km away, is the nearest airport to Konark. Bhubaneswar is well connected with Kolkata, Hyderabad, New Delhi, Chennai, Nagpur and other cities.
By rail:
The coastal city of Puri is the nearest railway station. It can also be reached from Bhubaneswar and Cuttack railway stations.
By road:
Konark is two hour drive from Bhubaneswar and one hour drive from Puri.
Accommodation in Konark:
- Panthanivas Tourist Bungalow
- Yatri Niwas
- Konark Lodge
- Royal Lodge
- Travellers Lodge
- Sunrise Lodge
- Banita lodge
There are also several hotels, lodges and holiday homes in Bhubaneswar, Puri and Cuttack.
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The Sun Temple Konark temple is one of the most well renowned temples in India and is a World Heritage Site. It is one of the Seven Wonders of India .