Konark Sun Temple

History of Konark

The temple was commissioned by King Narasimhadeva I of the Ganga Dynasty and built during 1243-1255 AD under the aegis of Bisu Mohan, the chief architect, and around 1200 skilled craftsmen. Its black granite architecture earned it the moniker- 'Black Pagoda' by the European mariners.

Legends of Konark

Konark is associated with hosts of legends and lore. However, no account of the temple is complete without recounting the legend of Dharampada. The lore goes that even after toiling day & night, the craftsmen could not find a way to lift & balance the heavy dome-stone at the top of the temple. The angry & impatient king issued a death ultimatum if the temple was not completed immediately. Then Bisu Mohan’s 12-year son, Dharmapada, found a solution to the problem and helped in the completion of the temple overnight. He saved hundreds of lives but jumped to his death from the temple top to stop this story from spreading. Thus, a prodigy was lost, and a legend was born, who still lives in the tales of Konark.

Another legend of Konark is that there was a huge magnet at the crown of the temple and the stones had iron plates between them, thus keeping the main idol oscillating in the air. However, no proof has been found of any such magnet.

Architecture of Konark

This marvelous temple, built as a 100ft high chariot of the Sun God, is a work of creative genius & engineering dexterity.  Its 12 pairs of exquisitely sculptured wheels represent months in a year, the 7 horses signify days of a week, and the 8 spokes in the wheels depict the day-cycle. The temple has three idols of the Sun God, each placed in a different direction to catch the sun rays in the morning, noon & evening.

The entrance is flanked by statues of lions stomping on an elephant and a human being crushed under their combined weight. The lions and elephants here symbolize pride, wealth & power that consume the man. The double staircase takes you to the inner sanctum presided by an awe-inspiring statue of the Sun God. Each inch of the temple is carved exquisitely with motifs from daily life, religion & mythology.

Navgraha Temple- Located within the Sun Temple compound, this temple comprises of nine images in black stone depicting the nine planets. 

Archeological Museum- Maintained by the Archeological Survey of India, this museum comprises of 4 galleries that preserve & showcase the architectural pieces & sculptures of Konark. 

Chandrabhaga Beach- A spectacular beach around 4 km from the temple complex.

Konark Temple Festival- A celebration of Indian classical music and dance forms. 

Best time to visit

The best time to visit this architectural wonder would be in winter from October to March when the temperatures dip and the weather is pleasant enough for sightseeing. 

How to Reach

By Air- Bhubaneswar Airport, around 65 km from Konark, is the nearest airport to this little temple town

By Rail- Puri railway Station, around 35 km from Konark, is the closest railhead connecting Konark by a network of direct & express trains. 

By Road- A network of roads & highways connect Konark to the rest of the cities in the region.