Tourism in india

The Sun Temple of Konark often called as the Black Pagoda was constructed in mid thirteenth century by Raja Narasinghs Deva-I of the Ganga Dynasty. It is an ample testament to the artistic glory of the time. Conceived in form of a huge chariot drawn by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of exquisitely decorated wheels, after the mythical seven horse chariot of Sun God, the temple was a unique in its architecture and implementation. Intricate carvings on the walls of the main temple and the Natya Mandap (a separate structure just in front of the temple) are a sight to behold. It is often considered to be the most artistically superior among the other temples and that is saying something when you are talking about the golden triangle of Orissa which boast of Sri Jagannath temple and Lingraj Temple of Puri and Bhubaneswar . Sun Temple has lost its many of its original structures to time and disrepair but the remaining structures and the remainder of the structures confirm till today the infinite imaginative power of the artistes of the time and their inspiring contribution to Vaisnav Culture.

The crowing glory of the temple architecture of Orissa the Sun Temple at Konark plays host to the annual dance festival featuring Odissi and other traditional dance forms. The open air stage against the back drop of the floodlit temple reverberates with the beats of classical ragas and thalas to transport the audience in sheer ecstasy. The accompanying divine music and the breathtaking movements of the performers turn the event a truly out of this world spectacle. It appears as if the entire monument has come alive. Besides this lavish feast for the eyes and ears, the festival involves display of traditional art and craft marking the glorious traditions of Orissa and an exhibition of exotic Sand Art.

About Konark Sun Temple

The temple complex is enclosed within a compound about 261 m by 164 m. At the eastern entrance is an isolated pillared hall (bhoga mandira) built on a richly decorated platform, some believing it to be a nata mandira (dance hall). To its West is an open space leading to the porch (jagamohana) which from the base to the top stands to about 39 m. The lower section of the original deul (sanctuary) to its East, once over 60 m tall, dominates the landscape for many kms. To the southeast of the deul are the remains of the Mahagayatri Temple while behind this structure is Vaishnava Temple and many a foundations of other structures.

The entire temple was conceived as the celestial chariot of Surya, the Sun-god. Drawn by seven galloping horses (only one is still intact), which represent the days of the week, while the twelve wheels ranged along the base stand for the twelve months. The eight spokes in the each wheel symbolise the eight prahars of the day. The platform (3.9 m high) rests on a low upana (the plinth) with three broad flight of steps, facing North, South and East doors of the porch leadingto its top. Running right round the base of the temple, the facade of the upana has extraordinary friezes featuring military processions, hunting scenes, elephants uprooting trees, feeding young ones, men attempting to capture elephants, journeys, rows of athletes, lady cooking and more secular scenes of every day life. Among the animals carved, the presence of a giraffe on the southern side, significantly points to the trade links with Africa during the 13th century.

The facade of the platform is richly carved bearing a well moulded base. The platform is divided into the same five horizontal layers that characterize the temple itself. These are richly ornamented with creepers and scrolls, and end with tiny motifs of chaitya windows. The lower jangha of the bada is spaced with upright slabs containing miniature representations of temples with 'khakhara-mundis' (wagon-vaulted roofs), which contain niches. Set into these niches are mainly figures of women-a lady leaving for pilgrimage, washing hair, playing the veena, caressing a bird. The slabs between are boldly relieved with various motifs, erotic couples and voluptuous young women flaunting their beauty in various inviting postures, some are of nagas or nagins depicted with a human bust, a multhooded canopy and the tail of a snake. Above the middle of the platform, the upper jangha are large pancha ratha pilasters, elaborately sculpted, sometimes with religious scenes such as images of Mahishasuramardini (Shakti cult), Jagannatha (Vaishnava cult) and a linga (Shiva cult) enshrined in a temple, indicative of a religious tolerance prevailing at that time for different sects. Other sculptures show a king seated on an elephant, a hermitage delivering discourse to a group of nobles or princes whose mounts (elephants and horses) are shown standing below the pavilion and the simple family scenes. The top moulding of the platform though severely damaged, separated by a narrow recess are decorated with motifs of marching armies, hordes of elephants and the royal court.

The intricately carved wheel (2.9 m in diameter) of the chariot on the face of the jagamohana is shown with its axle, a decorated hub and even an axle pin. The hub of the wheel is decorated with beaded rings and a few of lotus-petals. In the centre of spokes are richly carved medallions with gods such as Surya and Vishnu, erotic and amorous figures, kanyas in various mudras (poses), noblemen and animals.

How To Reach Konark

The convenient way to get to Konark is drive either from Puri, 35 km or Bhubaneswar, 65 km. The drive from Puri along the sea front is a treat through coastal villages and its beautiful houses.

Buses as well taxis are freely available from Puri. From Bhubaneswar, however the bus services less frequent and takes about 3-3 V2 hrs to cover the distance, while from Puri the service is very prompt, taking about one hour to reach Konark.

A round trip from Puri to Konark by AC/non AC Car Rs. 750-1000/Rs. 500-750. More adventurous lot cycle to Konark from Puri and stay there overnight.