Konark

By Vandana Singhal

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Sun Temple, Konark

Located on the eastern coasts of India in Bay of Bengal, Konark is a small town in Orissa. It is located at a distance of 65 km from Bhubaneswar. Though a small town, Konark has very strong importance in the history of India. The most famous architectural wonder at this place is Sun Temple. Lots of tourists visit Konark from all over the world to have glimpses of this ancient monument.
Sun temple is positioned closed to the holy city of Puri. This temple is devoted to the Sun God or Surya. It was believed to be built by Narashimhadev I in the mid-13th century. Listed under the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, this temple is an excellent work of Orissa’s medieval architecture.

Though largely dilapidated, this sun temple is still creates a sense of awe in the minds of onlookers. There is a massive structure in the shape of a chariot, bearing Sun God heading towards heavens. The key attractions in the temple are the huge wheels of the chariot. These wheels are intricately carved and are placed at the base of the temple. The wheels have another important feature; the spokes. These spokes act as the sundial and shadow formed by these spokes tell the exact time of the day. The temple rises up to a 30 meters and its roof is in the shape of Pyramid. The walls of the temple are filled with erotic sculptures similar to that in the temples of Khajuraho.

The temple acted as a navigational aid to the European sailor on their way to Calcutta, during the medieval period. It was referred as the Black Pagoda and Jagannath Temple at Puri was called as the white temple. Although there was an older Surya temple in Konark in 9th century but this structure was constructed in 13th century.

Apart from the Sun Temple, there are many other attractions in Konark which include Konark Archeological Museum, Konark Beach, Ramchandi Temple and Konark Math. The museum is located on the north part of the temple and has a great collection of antiques, collected from Sun temple. One of the most visited attractions in Konark is Konark Beach. It is located at a distance of three km from the Sun Temple. From there, you can have lovely views of sunrise and sunset.

Bhubaneshwar, Konark and Puri constitute the Golden triangle of Orissa, visited in large numbers by pilgrims and tourists. Konark is also known as Konaditya. The name Konark is derived form the words Kona - Corner and Arka - Sun; it is situated on the north eastern corner of Puri or the Chakrakshetra. Konark is also known as Arkakshetra..

Legend has it that Samba, the king of Krishna and Jambavati entered the bathing chamber of Krishna's wives, and was cursed by Krishna with leprosy.

It is said that the temple was not completed as conceived because the foundation was not strong enough to bear the weight of the heavy dome. Local belief has it that it was constructed in entirety, however its magnetic dome caused ships to crash near the seashore, and that the dome was removed and destroyed and that the image of the Sun God was taken to Puri.


Konark is a well connected town as this is a world famous heritage site. The nearest airport is at Bhubaneswar at a distance of 64 km. You can get direct flights from major Indian cities like Delhi and Mumbai. Nearest railhead is at Puri at a distance of 31 km. You can choose a road journey from nearby cities of Orissa and around.

The convenient way to get to Konark is to drive either from Puri, 35 km or Bhubaneswar, 65 km. The drive from Puri along the sea front is a treat through coastal villages and its beautiful houses.

Buses as well taxis are freely available from Puri. From Bhubaneswar, however the bus services less frequent and takes about 3-3 V2 hrs to cover the distance, while from Puri the service is very prompt, taking about one hour to reach Konark.

A round trip from Puri to Konark by AC/non AC Car Rs. 750-1000/Rs. 450-850. More adventurous lot cycle to Konark from Puri and stay there overnight.




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