Konark - The Sun Temple
Considered to be the World Heritage site it is one of the most visited places from worldover. Also known as Konditya, its the main attractions of Orissa. It houses a colossal chariot of the Sun God, Surya, with twelve pairs of exquisitively carved wheels, drawn by seven galloping horses.
Konark is a small village in Puri district of Orissa which can be easily reached by Bhuvneshwar (65kms) and Puri (35 kms).
Buit in 1278 CE by the legendary King Narsimha is also known as the Black Pagoda.
The legend has it that Samba, the son of the Lord Krishna and his wife Jambavati entered the bathing chamber of Lord Krishnas wifes without permission and was thus cursed by the Lord Krishna with leprosy. It was decreed that he would be relieved from the curse by worshiping the Lord Sun in the north east of Puri. After twelve years of severe penance he was relieved. In gratitude he built a temple in honor of the Lord Surya.
Built in the form of Ratha – the Chariot – is the one which opened the reins for the various sun temples in India.
It is one of the famous temples of India and also world over. Though it has been taken over by the ages it is still in a beautiful state with its vibrations coming all your way. Look at the intrinsic carvings of the temple, the pagoda and the surroundings. Have a close look at the war – horses, friezes of dancers and musicians, carnival od dancers, gigantic lions – all crafted out with the acumen craftrsmanship.
The main temple, the Surya Duel consists of two structures. The rekha duel or the sanctum where the image of the deity once stood, and the assembly hall or the jagamohana – the structure that is designed as a chariot of the sun God.
Twelve pairs of colossal wheels are carved on each side of the platform. Along withthis are the high quality free- standing sculptures on the outer walls of the Konark. Among the statues are the huge war horses, the mithuna couples and the sensual alasa kanyas. More can be seen in the form of processions and the hunts carved out.
There are three images of Sun God , positioned to catch the rays of the sun in the dawn, noon and the sunset.
Konark is a small village in Puri district of Orissa which can be easily reached by Bhuvneshwar (65kms) and Puri (35 kms).
Buit in 1278 CE by the legendary King Narsimha is also known as the Black Pagoda.
The legend has it that Samba, the son of the Lord Krishna and his wife Jambavati entered the bathing chamber of Lord Krishnas wifes without permission and was thus cursed by the Lord Krishna with leprosy. It was decreed that he would be relieved from the curse by worshiping the Lord Sun in the north east of Puri. After twelve years of severe penance he was relieved. In gratitude he built a temple in honor of the Lord Surya.
Built in the form of Ratha – the Chariot – is the one which opened the reins for the various sun temples in India.
It is one of the famous temples of India and also world over. Though it has been taken over by the ages it is still in a beautiful state with its vibrations coming all your way. Look at the intrinsic carvings of the temple, the pagoda and the surroundings. Have a close look at the war – horses, friezes of dancers and musicians, carnival od dancers, gigantic lions – all crafted out with the acumen craftrsmanship.
The main temple, the Surya Duel consists of two structures. The rekha duel or the sanctum where the image of the deity once stood, and the assembly hall or the jagamohana – the structure that is designed as a chariot of the sun God.
Twelve pairs of colossal wheels are carved on each side of the platform. Along withthis are the high quality free- standing sculptures on the outer walls of the Konark. Among the statues are the huge war horses, the mithuna couples and the sensual alasa kanyas. More can be seen in the form of processions and the hunts carved out.
There are three images of Sun God , positioned to catch the rays of the sun in the dawn, noon and the sunset.
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