Location : Konark, Orissa
About Sun Temple
Widely
known for its gigantic structure and wonderful intricacy of sculptural work,
the Sun Temple is dedicated to the Sun God . It is believed that the temple
was not completed as the foundation was not enough strong to bear the heavy
dome. The temple wears a miraculous look as it illuminated in the evenings.
1200 artisans and 12000 labourers toiled for a span of 16 years to create
the massive structure of the temple.
History
Erected in 1278 CE by the Ganga king Narasimha Deva, the Konark Sun Temple
symbolises the architectural brilliance of the earlier times. The temple was
built to commemorate Narasimha Deva's triumphant expansion into Bebgal.
Legend goes that Samba, the king of Krishna and Jambavati entered the
bathing chamber of Krishna's wives and Krished wished harm upon him by
cursing him with leprosy. And it was decreed that if he worshipped the Sun
God, on the sea coast north east of Puri, he would be freed of the curse.
Samba, as he was ordered, reached Konaditya to worship the Sun God.
Consequently he was relieved of the curse. Konaditya is the other name for
Konark. And today the Konark Temple stands at the very north eastern corner
of Puri.
Architecture
The Sun Temple at Konark is a piece of opulent architecture. The elaborate
sculptural work of the temple is truly commendable. The temple is conceived
being in the shape of a chariot of the Sun God with 24 wheels. Each wheel
measures 10 feet in diameter. The spokes of the wheels serve as sundials and
can give the exact time of the day. The chariot-shaped temple is dragged by
seven horses. At the entrance are two lions. Perhaps the temple was not
completed because the foundation did not enough support to hold up the
gigantic dome. The roof of the temple is in the shape of a pyramid and is
built in sandstone. The roof soars up to a height of 30 metres. Erotic
sculptures can be observed in the temple. The temple presents ample
sculptural work and is considered to be the masterpiece of Orissan
architecture.
Other Attractions
»
Lady Drummer - Lady Drummer of Sun Temple is a magnificent piece of
architecture. There are thousands of deities including the Surasundaries,
dancers, lovers, heavenly damsels and musicians.
» Maituna- Sun Temple - " Even those who are
difficult to please stand astonished at its sight", said Abul Fazl, the
Mughal poet about it. The sculptures depict erotic Kama Sutra postures that
are a sight to treasure.
» The Sacred Pond - No wonder, this is the very pond
where Samba was cured of leprosy. And the pond is actually the cause behind
the founding of the Sun Temple.
» The Magha Saptami - The Magha Saptami Mela is held
in the month of February every year. Myriad of visitors pour into the place
to attend the rites and rituals.
» The Konark Dance Festival - The Konark Dance
Festival, held in the month of December, sees a huge number of far-famed
classical dancers from India. Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri and Kathak are
the various dance forms that are performed.
North
India States
