The Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha is one of India’s greatest architectural wonders. Built as a giant stone chariot for Surya, the Sun god, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major centre of faith and art.
This article is based on religious beliefs and traditions. Democratic Bharat Live does not claim to verify them.
History
The temple was built in the thirteenth century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. It stands near the coast of the Bay of Bengal, about 35 km from Puri. European sailors once used it as a landmark and called it the Black Pagoda, as its tall tower looked dark from the sea.
Over time, the main tower collapsed. In the early twentieth century, the British administration filled the assembly hall, the Jagamohana, with sand and sealed it to protect it from further collapse. The Archaeological Survey of India now maintains the site and has been carrying out conservation work.
The stone chariot
The temple is designed as the chariot of Surya:
- **24 carved stone wheels,** each about 3 metres in diameter, line the base. The wheels are believed to represent the hours of the day or the fortnights of the year, and some act as sundials.
- **Seven horses** pull the chariot, believed to represent the days of the week.
Art and carvings
The walls are covered with detailed carvings of gods, dancers, musicians, animals, daily life, battles and scenes of love. The Natya Mandap, or dance hall, has carvings of dancers and musicians. The temple is a classic example of the Kalinga style of architecture.
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UNESCO and national symbols
The Sun Temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. A Konark wheel appears on the back of the Rs 10 note issued by the Reserve Bank of India in 2018.
Festivals
- **Chandrabhaga Mela:** held on Magha Saptami, when devotees take a dip at Chandrabhaga beach and worship the rising sun.
- **Konark Dance Festival:** held every December with classical dance performances against the backdrop of the temple.
Visiting tips
- Entry tickets are sold by the ASI.
- Hire an approved guide to understand the carvings.
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds.
- The ASI museum nearby displays fallen sculptures from the temple.
How to reach
Konark is about 35 km from Puri and about 65 km from Bhubaneswar, which has the nearest airport. Puri and Bhubaneswar are the nearest major railway stations. Buses and taxis are available.
Nearby places
- Chandrabhaga beach
- Jagannath temple in Puri
- Ramachandi temple
Bottom line
Konark is a masterpiece of stone. Plan a half day visit with a guide to appreciate its wheels, carvings and history.
Source / स्रोत: Archaeological Survey of India, UNESCO World Heritage Centre
