|
The Sun Temple |
The crowning
glory of Oriya temple architecture, the 13th century Sun temple
also known as ' the Black Pagoda', comes with a baggage of centuries
- old myths and legends. Legends say that Samba, the son of Lord
Krishna, was afflicted by leprosy, brought about by his father's
curse on him. After 12 years of penance, he was cured by Surya,
the Sun God, in whose honour he built this temple.
Built by
Raja Narsimhadeva of the Ganga dynasty, in the 13th century AD,
the temple is a pageant of human grandeur, in its perception,
and in the execution of even the finest details. It resembles
a colossal chariot, with 24 wheels, pulled by seven straining
horses, and has a three-tiered pyramidal roof topped off by a
fine spire. The Sun - God's chariot, also represents the seven
days of the week, and the 24 hours of the day, in its concept.
The temple is a brilliant chronicle in stone, with impressive
sculptures. Every aspect of life is represented here, and the
erotic imagery, depicts the sublimation of human love manifested
in countless forms. Scenes from court, civic life and war are
also done with great precision.
|
Unlike the other
temples of the Bhubaneswar-Konark-Puri region, the Konark temple had two
smaller outer halls, completely separate from the main structure. The
assembly-hall and the tower were built on an imposing platform, which
were carved into meticulously crafted twelve pairs of decorated wheels,
each 10 feet in diameter. The entrance is reached by a broad flight of
steps, flanked on either side by prancing horses, the whole representing
the chariot, in which the Sun-God rides across the heavens. The court
of the temple, was decorated with large free-standing sculptures of great
strength and beauty. Now protected under the World Heritage List, the
temple's interior was filled - up in 1903 A.D., by the then British Lt.
Governor of Bengal, to save it from deterioration.
What to See | Festivals | How
to Get There | Where to Stay
What
to See
Other sights
at Konark are :
The Museum Of Archaeological
Survey Of India
The museum which
is just outside the temple enclosure, houses sculptures and carvings
from the ruins of the Sun Temple. The stone architrave inside it, bearing
images of nine planet dieties, the Navagrahas, originally sat above
one of the temple's ornamental doorways, and is now kept as a living
shrine.
Konark
Beach
The
beach, 3 kms away from the temple along the Puri road, is very picturesque
and you can get the glimpses of the local fishing fleet at work. The
sunrise at this beach is a feast for the eyes. Also an ideal site for
a spot of sun-bathing.
Balighai
Beach
a secluded silver stretch, girdled by casuarina forests.
Kuruma
Approachable
by jeeps, Kuruma, a site of Buddhist archaeological discoveries, is
only 8 kms from Konark. Recent excavations have thrust this little village
into the limelight with the discovery of antique images of the Buddha
seated in Bhumisparsa Mudra alongwith the image of Heruka.
Chaurasi
Chaurasi
is the site of the shrines dedicated to Laxminarayanan, Amareshras and
Barahi. Barahi is a deity dating back to the 9th century AD, worshipped
according to tantrik practices. She is a mother goddess with the face
of a boar and is depicted holding a fish in one hand and a cup in another.
Pipli
On
the way to Konark is Pipli, famous for its exquisite applique work,
which depict the essence of Oriya culture. It is also the home of the
most colourful and original awnings, canopies, garden and beach umbrellas,
shoulder and hand bags etc. The cocktail effect of the colours is certainly
a feast for the eyes.
Ramachandi
A beautiful
spot, 7 kms from Konark, Ramachandi is located at the confluence of
the river Kusabhadra and the Bay of Bengal. The deity of Konark, Goddess
Ramachandi, is worshipped here.
Kakatapur
45
kms from Konark, Kakatapur is located in the Prachi valley and is famous
for its shrines of Goddess Mangala and Banadurga. legend has it that
the directions for reaching the holy log from which is created Lord
Jagannath's icon comes from her. The famous 'Jhamu Yatra' is held in
April-May when devotees walk over a narrow trench strewn with embers.
Astranga
A famous
fishing harbour, Astranga lies 55 kms from Konark. Washed by the waters
of the Bay of Bengal, with its magnificent sunsets, the place really
lives upto its name.
Festivals
The
Chandrabhaga Mela or Magha Saptami mela in the month of February, is
a grand religious festival. Thousands of pilgrims converge on the pool,
on this day to take a holy dip in its curative waters, and then shuffle
off to the beach where, in accordance with an age-old custom mentioned
in the puranas, they watch the sun rise over the sea. The event
is followed by the puja of the Navagraha.
Those interested
in attending the Konark Dance Festival, held in the Open air Auditorium
north of the Sun Temple, should visit during the first week of December.
How
to Get There
Konark
is connected by road to Bhubaneswar (65km) and Puri (35 km). The nearest
airport is Bhubaneswar and the nearest railhead is Puri.
Where
to Stay
Panthaniwas,
Ashok Travellers Lodge(ITDC), Labanya Lodge.
|