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Konark, Worshipping
the Sun God
Worshipping the Sun
God
Legends say that
Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, was afflicted by leprosy because of
a curse by his father. After a penance of 12 years, Samba was cured
by Surya, the Sun God, in whose honor he built this temple.
The Black Pagoda
Dedicated to the divine charioteer,
Surya, the Sun Temple is a magnificent example of ancient Orissan
temple and architecture. Built in the 13th century AD, it was
visualized as a chariot for the Sun God for his daily celestial
journey. It was built in the image of the chariot with seven horses
(seven days of the week) and 12 pairs of wheels (12 months). Only a
small portion of the original massive temple, the entrance hall (39
m in height) the Dancing Hall and a ruined temple remain. The word
Konark is derived from two word elements - KONA means Corner and ARK
means the Sun. The temple is also called the Black Pagoda.
Scenes from Life
Every aspect of life is shown here,
and the erotic imagery, depicts the sublimation of human love
manifested in countless forms. Scenes from court, civic life and war
are also done in detail.
The entrance is reached by a broad flight of steps, flanked on
either side by prancing horses, the whole representing the chariot,
in which the Sun-God rides across the heavens. The court of the
temple, was decorated with large free-standing sculptures of great
strength and beauty. Now protected under the World Heritage List,
the temple's interior was filled - up in 1903 A.D., by the then
British Lt. Governor of Bengal, to save it from deterioration.
Travel Information
Climate
Summer (Mar. to Jun.):
Warm
Winter ( Nov. To Feb.): Mildly warm and pleasant
Clothing
Summer-Cottons
Winter-Woollens
Getting There
Konark is connected by
road to Bhubaneswar (65 km) and Puri (35 km).
The nearest airport is Bhubaneswar.
The nearest railhead is Puri.
Where to Stay
Panthaniwas, Labanya Lodge, Ashoka Travellers' Lodge.
Festivals
. The Chandrabhaga Mela in February on the beach.
. The Konark Dance Festival - In the Open air Auditorium north of
the Sun Temple, in the first
week of December.
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