Konark Sun Temple

Konark Sun Temple, UNESCO world heritage site is situated at the Konark, Odisha. The temple was dedicated to God Sun. So the temple was also known as Surya Deul.

The temple is known for its unique architectures and beautiful sculptures at the wall of the temple. It was built on 13^th century. The word “Kona” means four corners and “Arak” means God Sun.

It looks like the sun rises from the angle of the temple. The temple was dark faced so European also gave the name “Black Pagoda” to the sun temple.

The whole temple was built in Kalinga architectural style. The temple was built in a shape of Chariot which is pulled by horses. It is believed that the chariot is for God Sun.

The temple was built by Khondalite rocks and chlorite stone. The whole temple is divided by three parts. The entrance and then followed by the prayer hall and then lastly a dance hall.

History of Konark Sun Temple

Konark Sun Temple was built in 13^th Century or in year 1250. King Anangabhima Deva was a great devotee of God Surya. For this he named his son as Narasimha Deva.

It was built by Ganga Dynasty Narasimha Deva-I. He made the temple to make a memory of victory over Muslims. He employed 1200 workers to build the temple and there was a deadline for this. The temple was built in 12 years.

If the workers failed then the king will kill all 1200 workers. Whole temple was built except the crown stone or Dadhinauti. Everyonw worked day and night but couldn’t manage to install that.

Suddenly a boy name Dharmapada came in search of chief worker Bisu Maaharana. And told him that he is his son. And after knowing about their condition, he installed the stone. And the temple was built.

But everyone got scared to think what if the king came to know about the boy. Then one night Dharama jumped from the temple to Chandrabhaga River to save worker’s life.

From that time there is no idols are worshiped since the unholy incident happened. It is said that Dharma was an incarnation of God Sun. And he came to break the ego of the king.

Best time to visit Konark Sun Temple

Though the weather remains same throughout the year so any time can be visited Konark Sun temple but it is very hot in the summer. So it is better to visit from November to February. This time weather become pleasant and good to visit the temple. 

Timings of temple

Konark Sun temple is opened 365 days in year. The temple opens at 10 Am and closes at 8 PM. And the entry fee is Rs 10 and it is free for children and who are below 15 years age. And for the foreigners entry fee is Rs 250 and it is free for children and below 15.  There is a Konark Sun Architectural Museum is situated in the temple. That museum opens everyday except Friday. The museum opens at 10 Am. And closes at the 17:00. The fee for entry to the museum is Rs 5. And free for the children and below 15 years age.

Facts about Konark Sun Temple

• There is total 24 wheels in the temple, which represent 12 months of a year. It is look exactly like a sun dial. It is used to see time.
• There is total 8 spokes in each wheel. Which represent 3 Prahar or 24 hours of a day. It is easy to understand the time only by seeing the shadow of the wheel.
• This is the only temple which don’t have any idol. So no puja rituals are performed in the temple. Since an unholy event of a death of a boy happened in the temple.
• The whole temple was built on a theme of a big chariot which is carried by seven horses. Which represent seven days of a week.
• In the time of sun rise or sun dawn the temple looks like it taking out the sun by the chariot from the sea or taken the sun to the sea. It creates a unmemorable scenic beauty.
• The temple was built by the stones which are not available in India. It was also said that the temple was built by the stones of Udaygiri and Khandgiri hills. It is the architectural masterpiece. The entire temple is built by the mixture of stone and metal. Also the idol was made by Ashtadhanu which is the mixture of eight melas.
• The temple also was treated as the landmark of the sailors. The European sailors used to called the temple as Kaala Pagoda.
• The temple also called as an UNESCO heritage of India because of the architectural uniqueness of the temple. It is also one of the seven wonders of world. The detailed carving, beauty of the stones, artworks, sculptures of men, women, birds, animal, deities make the temple beautiful. The miniature detailed of the jewelry; well-furnished wall sculptures make it unique.
• At the entrance gate of the temple there are two sculptures of Lion which are seen to crushing an elephant and under the elephant there is a human, who is crushed by the elephant. The lion is the symbol of power and the elephant is symbolized of wealth. This shows the problems of human life: wealth and power.
• Konark Sun Temple is large as 12-acre land. Remaining temple was height of 227ft but now its remains 127ft.
• There is a complex at the west of temple. There is a temple, which is dedicated for Devi Mayadevi, wife of God Sun. It was noticeable on 1909. 

How to Reach Konark Sun Temple

Konark sun temple is located at Konark, Odisha. The temple can be reached by bus, train or by flight.

By Air: In a distance of 65km Biju Patnaik International airport is located at Bhubaneswar. From the airport buses, cars are available to the temple.

By Train: At a distance of 30km Puri railway station is the nearest station to the temple. From the station buses, cars and auto are available to the temple.

By Bus: At a distance of 6 minutes Konark Bus stand is located. Lots of intercity buses and local buses, OSRTC buses are available from the bus stand.

FAQ- Frequently Asked Questions