Konark Sun Temple is among the top 10 tourist spots of Odisha. This 13th century monument represents Hindu Sun god Surya’s chariot. It just takes about an hour of drive towards northeast from Puri city through the coastal line. Konark Temple is also marked among the top 7 wonders of India for its intricate artwork.
Dedicated the Hindu Sun god Surya, the temple is also popular as Surya Develaya (house of Sun god). But no idols appear inside the Konark Sun Temple in present day. Later, considerable parts of the temple were also damaged. But the intricate artwork, iconography and themes of the temple carvings are the major attraction point for billions of tourists every year.
Populated with more than 700 temples, the state of Odisha is also famous as ‘the land of temples’. But Konark Sun Temple is still valued among the best temples in Odisha. top 10 tourist destinations of Odisha for its architectural brilliance.
In 1984, the World Heritage Committee declared the Sun Temple of Konark as a Word Heritage Site.
Etymology
The word Konark originated from two Sanskrit words. Word ‘Kona’ means angle or corner and ‘Arka’ means the Sun. It is definite that the term ‘Arka’ dedicates to the Hindu Sun god ‘Surya’. However, the context of the term ‘Kona’ is not fully clear.
Some historians believe ‘Kona’ probably refers to the northeast corner of Puri city where the temple is located.
History of Konark Sun Temple
Archeological and historical records suggest that the Sun Temple of Konark is more than 700 years old. King Narasimhadeva I of Ganga clan was a devotee of Hindu god Surya, the God of Sun. According to the legends, King Narasimha deva I ordered the construction the Konark Temple around 1243 CE.
Famous writer and grand vizier of Mughal Emperor Akbar, Abul Fazal had mentioned about temple’s construction. Abul Fazal’s famous creation ‘Ain-i-Akbari’ states that king Narasimhadeva I had to spent his 12 years collections from taxes and revenues.
Reference: Ain-i-Akbari by Abul Fazal. Buy the book on amazon.in.
Architecture
The theme of Konark Sun temple architecture was the chariot shaped temple emerging from blue sea, carrying the God of Sun. However, the sea having shifted away in past few centuries, that scene is not enjoyable in present days. Konark Sun temple architecture was typically developed so that first ray of Sun can fall on the Sun god’s idol.
Konark Sun Temple architecture follows the 13th century Kalinga Hindu temple architecture. It has square and circle geometry in the layout.
King Narasimha Deva I appointed Bisu Mahapatra as the chief architect for Konark Sun Temple.
Konark Temple had two main structures namely, Vimana or Bada Deul and Jagamohana or Mandapa. The larger sanctum or Bada Deul fell in 1837. However, the other structure of Jagamohana or Bhadra Deul is still surviving. The entire architecture of Konark Sun Temple finally forms the chariot of Sun god Surya pulled by 7 horses. Usha and Pratyusha, the two dawn goddesses flanking god Surya and shooting arrows.
Construction
King Narasimhadeva ordered to finish the temple construction within 12 years. Bisu Mahapatra, the chief architect of Konark temple had appointed 12,000 workers for the construction. But unfortunately, they proved themselves inefficient to finish the work on time.
There is no exact estimate of construction cost of Konark Sun Temple. But various legends mentions that King Narasimhadeva had to bear his 12 years revenue collected from the taxes.
Konark Sun Temple was built using three types of stones. Konark temple sculptures, doors and frames were made of Chlorite. Use of Laterite stones are visible for temple platforms and staircases. Other areas of the temple have use of Khondalite rocks. Majority of rocks and stones were brought from Udaigiri and Khandagiri hills.
Key structures
Konark Sun temple main sanctum was called Bada Deul (large sanctum). Other structures are surrounding the main temple complex.
Bada Deul or Rekha Deul
Legends mention that Konark temple main sanctum or Bada Deul had a height of 225 feet. Also known as Rekha Deul, the sanctum was housing the mysterious idol of God Surya. Blocks Khondalite rocks had magnetic strips interleaved in it. The 52 ton giant magnet at the top is said to be strong enough to keep the metallic idol floating without physical support.
However, the structure collapsed after the Portuguese sailors removed the top loadstone.
Bhadra Deul or Jagamohana
The smaller sanctum in front of Rekha Deul is known as Bhadra Deul of Jagamohana. It is rather an assembly hall also known as Mandapa in other parts of India. The structure is still surviving as the British had filled the sanctum between 1900 and 1903 with sand to prevent any collapse of the heritage structure. But as the sand had settled down inside, it started creating stress on the temple wall and creating cracks.
Therefore, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) officials decided to remove the sands from inside this year (2022).
Black Pagoda
Black granite stones and top architecture of the temple would appear like a black tall tower with multiple tiers. European sailors would compare the temple tower with south-east Asian towers called Pagoda. Hence they would call Konark Sun temple as ‘Black Pagoda’.
Contextually, they called Jagannath temple of Puri as ‘White Pagoda’ for similar reasons.
Konark Sun Temple chariot wheels
The chariot of Surya has 12 pairs of elaborately carved stone wheels. According to local legends, each pair of wheels refers to a calendar month. So, 12 pairs of wheel represents 12 months in a solar year. Another theory mentions 24 wheels represent 24 hours of a solar day. Each wheel is of 12 feet (about 3.7 meters) in diameter.
According to the Hindu Vedic mythology, Surya rises in the east and travels rapidly during the day. Seven horses drive his chariot from east to west through the sky.
Konark chariot wheels would act as Sun dials and people could determine time in ancient times with an unique technique.
Each wheel has 8 wider and 8 thinner spokes. The time distance between two wider spokes is of 3 hours, corresponds a Prahar or three hour period of a solar day. Contextually, in ancient India, time calculations were done through Prahars only. The time distance between of a wider and thinner spoke is 1.5 hours, known as a half Prahar.
60 beads were placed between two wider spokes. One Prahar (180 minutes) had therefore 60 equal subdivisions, each of 3 minutes.
The technique is quite unique to determine the exact time in the day with Konark chariot wheel. You have to place your finger on the axel of the wheel. The angle of the shadow that falls on the spoke and the small beads (wheel periphery) determines the exact time.
Seven horses of Konark Sun Temple
Seven horses pulling the chariot of Surya are namely:
- Gayatri,
- Brihati,
- Ushnih,
- Jagati,
- Trishtubha,
- Anushtubha, and
- Pankti
Floating Idol mystery of Konark Temple
Floating idol at the main temple of Konark was indeed an amazing architectural representation of 13th century. The architects had deliberately used magnetic iron strips between two stone blocks on the walls of main temple. The top loadstone was also a 52 ton giant magnet and one more at the idol’s base.
The unique arrangement helped the metallic idol of Lord Surya float easily in the air, without any physical support.
Various legends mention that the magnets of Konark temple was strong enough to disturb the navigation system of vessels passing through Konark sea. To safeguard their trades, the Portuguese sailors removed the giant magnet from the temple. As the main loadstone was key to hold the surrounding walls together, the entire main temple collapsed. However, many historians refuse this theory as well.
Sculptures and carvings
Konark Sun Temple is among the top 7 wonders of India for exquisite sculptures and carvings.
Konark chariot wheels are perhaps, one of the most extraordinary carvings of the temple representing ancient Sun dial. Exquisite stone carvings appear on all over temple walls. The carvings include purely decorative geometric patterns and plant motifs, marching soldiers, hunting scenes, caravans and carts etc. But erotic sculptures showcasing kama and mithuna scenes are probably the most curious element for the tourists.
Other large sculptures were a part of the gateways of the temple complex. These include life-size lions subduing elephants, elephants subduing demons, and horses. A major pillar called the Aruna Stambha, used to appear in front of the eastern stairs of the porch. But now it stands in front of the Jagannath temple of Puri.
Timing and Special Events at Konark Sun Temple
Konark Sun temple is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM for visitors every day. A laser light show is conducted every evening is another attraction for tourists. Entry ticket Price is ₹40 per person for Indians and ₹600 for foreigners. Entry for children up to 15 years are completely free.
Two of the Major festival happens here every year that attracts thousands of people.
Konark Festival
Konark Festival is a five-day festival conducted from 1st to 5 December every year on the backdrop of the temple. Beautiful dance performances and other cultural events happen during the festival.
Magh Mela/ Chandrabhaga Mela
Magh festival happens every year in January–February, is definitely best time to visit Konark and Puri. During Chandrabhaga Mela, millions of tourists gather in the region.
How to reach Konark Sun Temple
Konark being a major tourist destination attracts many people every day. It is 70 km away from the capital city of Odisha Bhubaneswar and conveniently connected through public transport. One can reach Bhubaneswar by Air Train from any part of India.
It is also just 35 Km away from the world-famous Jagannath temple of Puri. Good hotels are available both at Puri or Bhubaneswar. Several transport options are available from both the places as well. One can start a day trip, visit Bhubaneswar’s key tourist spot including Lingaraj temple, travel to Konark and enjoy sea beach at Puri during evening.
Konark Sun Temple FAQ
The world heritage site of Konark Temple, 13th century built. Main temple structure is destroyed. But the surviving structures along with exquisite carvings and sculptures are worth visiting.
The temple is open on all 7 days in a week. Konark Sun Temple remains open from 6:00 AM in the morning up to 8:00 PM in the evening.
Konark temple ticket price is Rs. 40 for Indian citizens. However, entry is free for children (Indian) under 15 years. For foreigners, Konark Sun Temple entry fee is Rs. 600 per person.
