India has a diverse history of ancient places where deep mysteries and untold past traits emerged. Worldwide explorers search for real historical facts and take away new travelling experiences. Konark Sun Temple in Odisha, one of the oldest temples, captures fascinating myths and folklore; it was around 700 years old. The aesthetic architecture of Konark Sun Temple and its traditional beliefs make it a wonderful destination to witness in India.
Want to gather more information on Konark Sun Temple? Stay with our blog to unlock all the required details on its history and architecture.
History Of Konark Sun Temple
If we review the historical part of the temple, Konark is a Sanskrit word broken down into two words: kon means corner, and arka means sun. So, the Konark town depicts the theme of the top angel from where the sun rises. It was started in the 13th Century BC; the Eastern Ganga Dynasty ruled major Kalinga’s historical region covering modern-day Odisha and several parts of Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal. King Narasimha Deva I built the Konark Temple in the 13th century to worship the Sun God, Surya.
Konark was chosen to construct this aesthetic sun temple as many ancient Hindu texts refer to it as the place of the Sun god. The structure was constructed using black granite and took over 12 years to complete construction. Also, it was designed to allow the first rays of sunlight to fall on the main entrance. As per Hindu sculpture and traditions, Surya, the Sun God, is powerful and worshipped for healing.
Mystery About God’s Idol
The other mysterious story attached to Konark Sun Temple is connected to the misplaced idol. Once you enter the main entrance temple, you will witness a tall idol suspended in mid-air; how it happens remains a mystery for years. Some believe that the magnetic field from all four sides caused the movement; however, there is no strong evidence, and it has not been proven historically. Some archaeological experts argue that a 52-ton weight stone named “Lodestone”, a natural magnet was installed inside this temple.
Unique Architect of Konark Sun Temple
According to the Archaeological Survey of India, the entire temple was planned to be fitted with twelve pairs of exquisitely decorated stone wheels.The Kalinga architecture, Konark Sun Temple, replicates the rich odish style. It comprises 12 giant stone wheels drawn by 7 mighty horses. The construction is designed to focus towards the east to catch the first ray of sunrises.
Konark Sun Temple is spread over 26 acres, and three precious stones were used to construct the model, namely Chlorite, Laterite, and Khondalite rocks. Some key structures of the temple vanished over time, like there was a main sanctuary with a height of 225 feet called Bada Deul or Rekha Deul. A few parts survived a smaller sanctum called the Bhadra Deul, which is celebrated for its intricate artwork, themes, and iconography.
Why Is Konark Sun Temple So Famous?
Konark Sun Temples comes under the UNESCO World Heritage Site; its aesthetic architecture and intricate stone carvings made the temple famous worldwide. Another interesting belief is the religious significance of worshipping the Lord Sun, great astronomy where sun rays fall on the temple’s first entrance. It creates holy vibes around the temple, and the goddess’s glory makes it more auspicious to seek blessings.
Things To Explore At Konark Sun Temple
For sightseeing, Konark Sun Temple has much to offer for visitors to get new experiences and witness ancient history traits. Here are a few famous things you can explore at Sun Temple:
- Ancient Temple structure of Sun Temple
- 12 Pair Giant Wheel with Sundial
- Mayadevi Temple
- Bhoga Mandapa – areas of grains and spices grinding
- Vaishnava Temple – Sculpture of Lord Hindu deities like Varaha, Balarama, and Vamana-Trivikrama
- Nata Temple – Carved dancers and musicians
- Nine Planet Temple or Nava Grah Mandir
- Beautiful Entrance with elephants, horses, and lion figures
Special Light & Dance Show
The next point of attraction of the temple is an astonishing light and sound show depicting the rich history of Konark Sun Temple. The audience will sit back comfortably and enjoy the visually appealing show using wireless headphones. However, they will only organise a show if more than 25 people are gathered.
Ticket Price: 50 per person
Language: English, Hindi, Oriya
Duration of Show: 40 Minutes
Timings: (No Show On Mondays), March to October – 7:30 pm to 8.10 pm; 8:20 pm to 9:00 pm; November to February – 6:30 pm to 7:10 pm; 7:30 pm to 8:10 pm
How To Reach Konark Sun Temple To Witness The Charm?
Konark Sun Temple is located in Puri, Odisha, and 65 km away from Bhubaneswar. You can reach here using all means of transportation. You can board a direct train from Bhubaneswar to Puri and then book a taxi to reach the temple. For airlines, the nearest airport is Bhubaneswar Airport or Biju Patnaik International Airport. The location has an active taxi and cab facility to ease your journey.
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