Best Temples

Know About Konark Sun Temple Which is 772 Years Old.

Konark Sun Temple in Puri, Facts, Architecture, Images, Mystery. This historical and mythological temple is dedicated to the Sun God. The Konark Sun Temple is located about 35 km northeast of Puri in the Indian state of Odisha. 

The first rays of the sun fall at the entrance of the temple in the Konark Sun Temple dedicated to the Sun God. It is a wonderful marvel of architecture. This temple is built in the shape of a chariot which is the vehicle of the Sun God. There are twelve wheels in this chariot, and it is shown as being pulled by seven horses which are very amazing to see. 

The remains of the temple complex have the appearance of a chariot with 100 feet high chariots and horses, all carved in stone. The Hindu Vedic statue shows the sun rising in the east and holding a lotus flower in both hands and traveling fast in the sky in a chariot drawn by seven horses.

Images Source – Pixabay

Konark Sun Temple is a major pilgrimage site for Hindus. The famous Chandrabhaga festival is organized in this temple every year in February and the Jamwada of devotees is held. Konark Sun Temple is a very ancient Hindu temple of Orissa! Most of this famous temple has been converted into ruins, but what remains is enough to attract tourists.

Historians believe that this temple was built between the 13th or 14th centuries. The temple was built by King Narasimhadeva, some believed that the temple could pull the ship to shore due to its magnetic powers. Konark Sun Temple Known for its architecture, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sun Temple Konark has been declared a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1984.

Konark Sun Temple Opening Time

The temple is open on all days and for everyone. The Konark Sun Temple is open to devotees from 6 am to 8 pm.

What is the price of Konark Sun Temple tickets?

Konark Sun Temple tickets can be purchased for Rs 40–50 for Indians and Rs 650–700 for foreigners.

Inside Konark Sun Temple

The Konark Sun Temple, also known as the Black Pagoda, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Konark, Odisha, India. The temple is dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya, and was built in the 13th century during the reign of King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.

Inside the Konark Sun Temple, visitors can see the main sanctum where the deity is worshipped. The sanctum is located at the center of the temple and is surrounded by other smaller temples and structures.

The main sanctum of the temple is now empty and does not have any deity or idol. The temple was desecrated by invaders in the 17th century, and the original idol of the Sun God is believed to have been removed.

The temple complex also has several other smaller shrines dedicated to different gods and goddesses. Visitors can offer prayers and offerings at these shrines.

One of the main attractions inside the temple is the impressive architecture and intricate carvings. The temple is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with 12 pairs of giant stone wheels and is drawn by seven horses. The entire temple is covered with exquisite carvings depicting various aspects of Hindu mythology and daily life during that period.

Overall, the Konark Sun Temple is a magnificent example of Indian temple architecture and a significant spiritual center in India. A visit to this temple is a must for anyone interested in Hindu mythology and architecture.

Top 5 Tourist Attractions to See in Konark Sun Temple

There are many things to do and see in Puri or around the Konark Sun Temple, There are many attractions for the tourists visiting Konark Temple, all these places are located at a distance of four to five kilometers from the Sun Temple of Konark which are worth seeing. Here are the top 5 tourist attractions to see in Konark Sun Temple

The Main Temple: The main temple of the Konark Sun Temple is the most important and impressive attraction. The temple is designed in the shape of a chariot with 12 pairs of giant stone wheels and is drawn by seven horses. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various aspects of Hindu mythology.

The Natya Mandap: The Natya Mandap or the Dance Hall is a separate structure located in front of the main temple. It is a large pillared hall that was once used for dance performances and other cultural events.

The Konark Museum: The Konark Museum is located on the temple premises and houses a collection of sculptures and artifacts that were found during the excavation of the temple site. The museum provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.

The Sun Dial: The Sun Dial or the Konark Sundial is a unique attraction located in the temple complex. It is a huge stone slab that was used to measure time by the movement of the sun. The sundial is believed to be accurate to within a minute.

The Chandrabhaga Beach: The Chandrabhaga Beach is located about 3 km from the temple complex and is a popular tourist spot. The beach is known for its scenic beauty and is a great place to relax and unwind after exploring the temple. It is also considered to be a sacred spot and is believed to have healing powers.

Konark Sun Temple Sculptures

The Konark Sun Temple is famous for its exquisite sculptures and carvings that adorn the entire temple complex. The sculptures depict various aspects of Hindu mythology, daily life, and culture during the 13th century.

Here are some of the prominent sculptures that you can see in the Konark Sun Temple:

The Wheel: The 12 pairs of giant wheels on either side of the temple are one of the most striking features of the temple. The wheels are intricately carved with images of human figures, animals, and floral motifs.

The Elephants: The temple has several sculptures of elephants that are beautifully carved and adorned with intricate designs. The elephants are depicted in various poses, such as carrying soldiers or standing on their hind legs.

The Nataraja: The Nataraja is a sculpture of Lord Shiva in the dancing pose. The sculpture is located in the Natya Mandap or the Dance Hall of the temple and is surrounded by smaller sculptures of musicians and dancers.

The Kanyas: The temple has several sculptures of Kanyas or young women in various poses. The Kanyas are depicted with flowing hair, delicate features, and intricate jewelry, and are believed to represent the beauty and grace of women.

The Navagrahas: The Navagrahas are sculptures of the nine celestial bodies that are believed to influence human destiny. The sculptures depict each planet in a unique pose and are placed on the outer walls of the temple.

Overall, the sculptures in the Konark Sun Temple are a stunning example of ancient Indian art and are a must-see for anyone visiting the temple.

Who Built Konark Sun Temple?

Konark Sun Temple Built by? The Konark Sun Temple, also known as the Black Pagoda, was built in the 13th century during the reign of King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple was constructed between 1238 and 1264 CE.

The Eastern Ganga Dynasty ruled over the eastern part of India, including modern-day Odisha, from the 11th to the 15th century. King Narasimhadeva I was a patron of the arts and is credited with commissioning the construction of the Konark Sun Temple.

The temple was designed by Bisu Maharana, a chief architect of the Ganga dynasty. The temple was built by a team of skilled craftsmen and laborers who worked tirelessly for over two decades to complete this magnificent temple.

Over the centuries, the Konark Sun Temple has undergone several renovations and restorations, and today it stands as a testament to the architectural and artistic genius of ancient India. The temple is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts thousands of visitors every year from all over the world.

Best time to visit Konark Sun Temple of Puri

The best time to visit Konark Sun Temple is during the winter season, from October to February. The weather during this time is pleasant with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. This is the peak tourist season and the temple is crowded, but the weather is ideal for exploring the temple and enjoying the nearby attractions.

The summer season, from March to June, is hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 45°C. This is not the best time to visit the temple as the heat can be unbearable and the temple may not be as enjoyable due to the discomfort.

The monsoon season, from July to September, brings heavy rainfall and the temple may not be accessible due to waterlogging and flooding. However, if you enjoy the rains, you can visit the temple during this time when the surroundings are lush green and the temple complex looks even more beautiful.

Therefore, the best time to visit Konark Sun Temple is during the winter season, from October to February, when the weather is pleasant and the temple is easily accessible.

How to reach Konark Sun Temple?

Konark Sun Temple is located in the state of Odisha, India. Here are the ways to reach the temple:

By Air: The nearest airport to Konark Sun Temple is the Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, which is about 64 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Konark.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Konark Sun Temple is Puri Railway Station, which is about 35 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from the station to reach the temple.

By Road: Konark is well-connected by road to major cities in Odisha and other neighboring states. You can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Konark Sun Temple. The temple is located on the Puri-Konark Marine Drive, which is a scenic route and is also accessible by private vehicles.

It is recommended to plan your visit to the temple during the early hours of the day to avoid the rush of tourists and to enjoy the beauty of the temple in peace.

Interesting facts about Konark Sun Temple

The temples of India are unique and famous all over the world for their rich architecture and the interesting legends behind them. In these ancient temples, crowds of people are seen from every part of the world, from devotees to travelers. The Konark Sun Temple located in Puri, which is dedicated to Lord Surya, seeks to know some interesting facts about this temple.

12 Pairs of wheels

The 12 pairs of carved wheels constructed from the high-quality stone of the Konark Sun Temple represent the 12 months of the year. The exact time of day can be calculated by looking at the shadow cast by the wheels.

Giant Chariot of Seven Horses

The Konark Sun Temple has a huge Surya chariot-shaped form drawn by 7 horses, representing seven days of the week.

Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

This ancient temple is one of the UNESCO sites in India due to its architecture.

Depiction of wealth and power

On either side of the entrance of the Konark Sun Temple, two lions are seen crushing the elephant. There is a human under each elephant. 

This depiction represents Leo Shakti and depicts elephant wealth. The entire depiction symbolizes the major problems faced by man in his life – money, and power.

What is special about the Konark Sun Temple?

The 13th-century Konark Sun Temple is a famous Hindu temple in the entire city and the most famous tourist destination of Odisha. The Konark Sun Temple is known for its unique architecture.

What is Sun Temple famous for?

Konark Sun Temple is an ancient Hindu temple, this temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage in 1949.

Konark Sun Temple Built by

According to the Puranas and beliefs, this temple dedicated to the Sun God was built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I (1238-1250 CE) of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.

Where is Konark Sun Temple located?

Konark Sun Temple is located in Odisha, India, this famous temple of India is situated on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River, about 35 km from Puri.

Which city is famous for the Sun Temple? Why is Puri city of Orissa famous?

The city of Puri is famous for the Konark Sun Temple. This temple dedicated to Sun God or Surya is revered by Hindus.

Why is the Konark Sun Temple not worshiped?

People believe that the Dharmapada decided to give up his life from the top of the temple and saved 1200 workers from beheading. Konark became impure in the Sun Temple with the death of the priest since that time. That is why Sun God has never been worshiped since then.

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