Konark Sun Temple
Puri, Odisha, India
Welcome to Konark Sun Temple, a magnificent chariot of the Sun God Surya! Built in the 13th century, this UNESCO World Heritage Site, also known as 'Black Pagoda', is a marvel of ancient Indian architecture. Imagine giant stone wheels and horses carrying the sun across the sky! A must-see travel destination in Puri, Odisha, India.
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Top Activities in Konark Sun Temple
- 1
Admire The Intricate Carvings
- 2
Attend The Konark Dance Festival (December)
- 3
Explore The Temple Complex
- 4
Visit The Konark Archaeological Museum
- 5
Witness The Sunrise Or Sunset
Detailed Information
Best Time to Visit
October-to-March
When to visit place on the day
Morning
Approximate expense
₹1,000 per person
History
The Konark Sun Temple was built in the 13th century CE by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The temple's construction is shrouded in legends, with some attributing its design to the mythical architect Bisu Maharana. The temple's original purpose was likely to serve as a place of worship and a symbolic representation of Surya's celestial journey. Over centuries, the temple suffered damage from natural disasters and invasions, leading to its partial collapse. Conservation efforts have been undertaken to preserve the remaining structure and protect it from further deterioration. The Konark Sun Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains a significant pilgrimage site and tourist attraction.
Recent Google Reviews
The Sun Temple in Puri, India, is a magnificent 13th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya. It's renowned for its intricate architecture, especially the massive chariot with 24 wheels, pulled by seven horses, representing the sun's passage through the heavens. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant pilgrimage destination. Some interesting facts linked with the Sun Temple in Puri: 1. **Architectural Marvel**: The Sun Temple is renowned for its architectural brilliance, characterized by intricate carvings, towering spires, and a massive pyramidal structure. 2. **Kalinga Architecture**: The temple is a prime example of Kalinga architecture, a style prevalent in the eastern coastal regions of India during the medieval period. 3. **Konark Wheel**: One of the most iconic features of the temple is the Konark Wheel, a massive stone wheel with intricately carved spokes that serves as a sundial. It accurately calculates time based on the position of the sun. 4. **Magnetism Mystery**: There's a long-standing legend that the temple's main tower was once crowned with a large magnet that helped hold the iron beams together. Some speculate that this could have been used for navigational purposes by sailors. 5. **Erotic Sculptures**: The temple's walls are adorned with intricate sculptures depicting various aspects of life, including everyday activities, animals, and erotic scenes. These sculptures are a subject of intrigue and have sparked scholarly debates about their symbolism and purpose. 6. **Alignment with Sun**: The temple is designed in such a way that the main entrance is aligned with the east, allowing the first rays of the morning sun to illuminate the sanctum sanctorum. 7. **Destruction and Restoration**: Over the centuries, the Sun Temple has faced significant damage due to natural disasters and invasions. It underwent restoration efforts in the 20th century to preserve its cultural heritage. 8. **World Heritage Site**: In 1984, the Sun Temple at Konark was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its universal cultural significance and architectural brilliance.
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