KONARK CITY GUIDE
To be in Konark is an experience by itself…a fulfilling experience, an experience in self-discovery. In this modern world, ruled by techno-gizmos, it is hard to comprehend the work that has gone into the architectural marvels of the beautiful Sun Temple of Konark by the sweat of the brow and the skill of the hand.. It was constructed of black stone in the beginning of the 13th century and is an astonishing architectural masterpiece by itself. Konark has something for the aesthetically inclined tourist too…interesting museums, serene beach, cultural events and a fulfilling shopping experience. Konark is situated on the seashore, about 33 km north of Puri and 64 km from Bhubaneshwar.
Stretch
of greenery, rare species of birds, flowers in bloom, peaceful surroundings… a
perfect way to spend an evening in communion with nature. About 45 km from
Puri, is this beautiful lake known for the many birds that migrate over here.
If you are an ornithologist, then this your paradise. You can bird-watch to
your heart's content…many rare birds including flamingos, pelicans and ospreys
visit this lake in December and January. The lake is about 75 km long and 15 km
wide.
Sun Temple
The skill and dexterity of 1,200 workmen…
Sixteen long years …
And a poem in stone is carved ...
The Sun Temple of Konark, this temple has a chariot like shape, with twenty-four
wheels pulled by seven horses. The Temple is built on a 4 m high platform with
huge carved wheels on both sides. There is one school of thought that says that
the wheels represent the twenty-four hours in a day; others say they represent
the 12 months, while the seven horses are said to symbolize the seven days of
the week. Whatever be the truth, there is no disputing the fact that the temple
is one of the most astonishing architectural masterpieces of the world.
The temple was built in the 13th century by the Oriyan King Raja Narasimhadeva
I. The story goes that Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, was cursed by the Sun
God to suffer from leprosy for twelve years. So, he built a temple dedicated
to the Sun God - Surya.
There is a dancing hall and an audience hall inside.
Many of the carvings, specially the one on the main entrance with two large
stone lions crushing elephants will surely transport you with awe and emotion
to the era of the temple's construction.
So much of thought has gone into the construction. Each one of the figures have
been chiseled by skillful hands and intelligent minds. One look at the three
chlorite figures of Surya makes you comprehend this fact. The three statues
of Surya face the different directions to catch the sun at dawn, noon and sunset.
You must see their facial expressions change. From alertness in the morning
to a look of tiredness towards evening.
There is a shrine dedicated to Mayadevi, Sun God's wife, in the southwest corner
of the enclosure. There is also a temple containing the nine planets: Sun, Moon,
Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu, at the temple.
You can relax for a while at the nice beach near the temple.