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“Here the language of stone outperforms the language of man” were the words of praise from Rabindranath Tagore when he observed the eminent Konark Sun temple. On the coastline of Odisha and 35 kilometers, northeast of Puri is the location of the temple. Devoted to worship the sun, it was earlier a 227 feet long temple. It was King Narasimha Deva who built the temple in the 12th Century AD. Today, it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. Sun Temple’s architecture is the zenith for both Odisha and India. It is a captivating piece of architectural art, the kind from which you will not be able to take your eyes off.
The beauty of the temple is not the confining reason for its fame. The scientific precision of its centuries-old architecture serves as an attraction to many. There are 12 chakras or wheels in the temple, all carved in a detailed manner. The wheels bear a resemblance to the wheels of the chariot of the sun. They are put in such a way that one can calculate the time through the shadow that is cast on the spoke of the wheels. Moreover, the carvings indicate the exercise that one typically does at that time. When visiting it, you can gaze and scrutinize the Natya Mandap and Jaganamohana. Natya Mandap is an open theatre, and Jaganamohana is the entrance hall of the temple.
Whether you like science, history, or art, this temple should be a must stop.
OVERVIEW
Location: Odisha
Nearest Airport: Bhubaneshwar
How to reach: by air/road/train
Famous for: Sun Temple
Best time to visit: October to March
WHAT TO SEE
Sun Temple
History
Historians believe that at the commencement of the 8th century CE, the Eastern Gangas set up their realms at the Kalinga district in India. The prominent ruler of this line was Anantavaram Chodaganga. His appreciation for art was incredible. He is under whom the construction of the Jagannatha temple at Puri began. His successors took to his footsteps, the most distinguishing being Narasimha Deva. It is he who built the Konark Sun temple.
The history of Konark temple also finds an association in the texts of Hindu mythology. According to the Hindu Puranas Konoditya, now Konark was a sanctified spot for worshipping the Lord Surya. One of Krishna’s sons, Samba, built the temple to thank Surya for fixing the illness of his skin. He had to invite Magis (sun worshippers) from Persia due to the refusal of the Brahmanas (higher caste of Hindus) to worship the sun’s image. The story belongs to a sun haven in north-western India. However, it was shifted to Konark. Due to this move, the Konark temple became the temple that Samba built. Hence, boasting the heavenliness of this temple. It did not take long for Konark to become a holy site for the worshippers of the sun.
Some archivists believe that the temple was built by Narasimha Deva to thank Lord Surya (sun) for one of his triumphs, while some maintain that he was showing his commitment to worship the sun. All this said, the specific purpose of building the temple is a mystery.
There are three architectural styles, namely Nagara, Dravida, and Vasera, that were prevailing in India. The Konark temple follows a subset of Nagara architecture, called Orissa. The temple portrays all the characters of this style, like a square ground plan, an open hall (Natya Mandap), an entrance hall (Jaganamohana), and an asylum. The architecture style is Lingeraja, alluded by locals as the Khakhra style.No structure better than the Konark temple represents this style. The temple’s decency of origination and faultlessness of completion is a pure representation of this Lingeraja style.
The sculptures in the temple, too are flawless, especially Jaganamohana. Stone workers secured each corner of the hall with figures appreciating routine and in practices related to kama (needs and stimulating joy). An epic icon of Surya is a trademark figure of this temple. It is an example of the few sculptures in India which show a divine being wearing boots. There are furthermore depictions of amazing animals, flying animals, and animals, other than natural and geometrical topics.
The temple is made from stone and has a chariot with twelve wheels. The wheels are sumptuously ornamented and are being drawn by seven extravagantly caparisoned, running horses. The wheels at the side of the chariot have been carved depicting the Hindu Mythological view of Lord Surya. The 12 wheels signify the 12 months.
Konark Dance Festival
Konark Dance Festival is a portrayal of the way of life and history of Konark through classical dance. This colorful celebration is held from first to fifth December consistently. The celebration has accepted a sort of particular noteworthiness because of the endeavors it has made towards the upturn, protection, and continuation of Orisha’s forms of classical dance styles. The happy evenings offer the crowd an extravagant banquet for the eyes and ears. The famous classical dance artists of India meet up and perform at this celebration.
How to Reach
By Air – Biju Patnaik Airport, Bhubaneshwar is the closest to Konark Temple. It is about 70 kilometers away.
By Road – You can book a cab or drive to Konark Sun temple from Puri, Bhubaneshwar, or Cuttack.
By Train – Puri Junction is the closest to the temple. You can book a train at the station from any of the main cities of India.
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