Konark Temple also known as Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century temple dedicated to Sun god and is located at Konark about 35 kilometers northeast from Puri on the coastline of Odisha, India.
Konark consists of two Sanskrit words i.e. ‘Kona‘ which means angle and ‘Arka‘ which means the Sun which translates to “Sun’s Corner” . It is the only place in Odisha that became a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1984.
Archeologists believe that this temple dates back to 1250 AD ( which means 750 years ) and was constructed by king Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty . It is believed that this temple took 12 years to build.
Another story says that the son of Lord Krishna Samba was cured of a disease by the Sun Lord, therefore to honor him, Krishna Samba got the temple constructed.
The temple has a unique architecture and is built in the form of a chariot driven by seven horses on 12 pairs of decorated wheels.
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Quick Facts
- Affiliation: Hinduism
- Temple Address: Konark, Odisha
District: Puri
Deity: Surya
Festival: Chandrabhaga Melaelan
Temple timings: 6 am to 8 pm (Open All Days) - Architecture: Kalinga architecture
- Entry Fee/ Ticket Prices: Rs 40 for Indians ,Rs 600 for foreigners and BIMSTEC and SAARC citizens is Rs 40.
- Best Time to Visit : October-March
- Photography: Allowed
ASTONISHING FACTS ABOUT KONARAK TEMPLE
- Due to the dark color of this temple, it is also referred to as ‘KALA PAGODA’ .
- The temple has a unique architecture and is built in the form of a chariot driven by seven horses on 12 pairs of decorated wheels.
- The 12 stone-carved wheels of the Temple represent the 12 months of a year. These wheels that are found at the base of the temple, also show time. The spokes of the wheel form the shape of a sundial.
- There are total 8 spokes in the wheel. Each spoke represents a pahar (3 hours). Eight spokes represents 24 hours. Diameter of each wheel is about 3 meters.
- Apart from 12 wheels , this chariot like temple is pulled by 7 horses which symbolizes the 7 days in a week.
- At the entrance of the Sun Temple, you can find two lions at either sides of the entrance, that are seen crushing an elephant each. Beneath each elephant is a human being which depicts that a man is destroyed by his thirst of wealth and power.
- Earlier the temple used to be at the shore of Bay of Bengal, but with time the water of the ocean got away from the temple. At that time, the temple was used as a landmark for the sailors of Bay of Bengal.
- the sun idol was suspended in the air as there were magnets used in the construction. So when you entered the main temple, you’d see a tall idol in mid-air. For years, it was a mystery as to how this happened. People did not realise it was the magnetic field from all four sides that made this happen.
- But this also led to the removal of the idol. It is believed that this magnetic field affected the compass navigation for sailors and when they were invading India, they ordered the magnets to be removed.
- Today, tourists aren’t allowed to go into the main chamber as it has been sealed.
Konark Sun Temple Images
How To Reach?
By Air
The nearest airport to Konark is the Biju Patnaik Airport located in Bhubaneswar which is at a distance of 64 km and is connected to all major cities in India. One can take a taxi from there which can cost about 1000-1200 INR.
By Train
The nearest railway station is located at Puri which is 35.3 km away from the temple. One can opt to take a taxi or can board the state run buses to reach the temple.
By Road
The Orissa Tourism Development Corporation or OTDC, run by the government, has several buses regularly connecting Konark to other towns and cities within Odisha. Roads are also well connected for travel.
Where To Stay?
OTDC Yatrinivas, Konark
Set among palm trees, this colorful, casual hotel is an 11-minute walk from 13th-century Konark Sun Temple and 4 km from Chandrabhaga Beach. It is maintained by Odisha Tourist Department.
Estimated Cost: 1300-6000 INR
Note: We don’t make any guarantees if the above-stated facts are not correct. If you think any information provided by us is wrong then contact us.