'''Konark''' or '''Konarak''' [http://www.panthanivas.com/] is a temple town near Puri in the state of Orissa, south of Kolkata in India. It is most famous for its '''Sun temple'''.

The magnificent Sun Temple at Konark is the culmination of Orissan temple architecture, and one of the most stunning monuments of religious architecture in the world. The massive structure, now in ruins, sits in solitary splendour surrounded by drifting sand. Today it is located two kilometers from the sea, but originally the ocean came almost up to its base. Until fairly recent times, in fact, the temple was close enough to the shore to be used as a navigational point by European sailors, who referred to it as the 'Black Pagoda'.

Built by King Narasimhadeva in the thirteenth century, the entire temple was designed in the shape of a colossal chariot, carrying the sun god, Surya, across the heavens. Surya has been a popular deity in India since the Vedic period.

Konark is known for its erotic sculpture, along with Khajuraho in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.

Get in

Konark is at a distance of 60km from Bhubaneswar and 30km from Puri and well connected to both the places. Conducted tours are available from Puri, the main tourist centre, covering the various important temples in and around Puri, Chilka Lake and Konarak.

Get around

Konark is not only an ideal choice for monument, beach and scenic beauties but also for her colourful festivals. The Konark Festival held every year is a great attraction for cultural cognoscenti.

The most popular and colourful festival of Konark, an occasion for a grand congregation of Indian pilgrims and enthusiasts from abroad, falls on the seventh day of the new moon of Magha.

Chandrabhaga Mela

Magha Saptami which is also called Chandrabhaga Mela is the most popular festival which fall in the month of February. This is a day specially set aside for the worship of the Sun God at Konark.Although the temple is a ruin, even today thousands of pilgrims flock to Konark every year on the Magha Sukla Saptami, the day of Spring Festivals, to celebrate the new birth of the Sun God. When the Sun has returned on its northern course, they assemble before sunrise to take bathe in the sacred Chandrabhaga river and in the nearby sea. When on that day the Sun God emerges from the ocean in the Agni Kona, the south eastern corner of the horizon, they adore and worship him with silent prayers or yells of joy, and many in their ecstasy imagine they actually see him rising from the water in his luminous chariot drawn by seven fiery horses. After that they walk one and a half miles to the temple to circumambulate the shrine and to worship the Navagraha stone which originally was above the eastern portal and is now set up in a small shed outside the compound. When their religious duties are performed, they pass the rest of the day in cooking, eating and merrymaking and by nightfall theta have all dispersed to their homeward journey. Some of these people come on foot from distant place and eventually spend a whole month on the road before reaching their destination. This shows how great is their faith and their love for the Sun God, and how strong are latent memories of ancient traditions.

This is the most popular and colourful festival of the place when lakhs of pilgrims visit Konark to observe the festival. In fact this is the second biggest festival in Orissa, next to Car Festival of Puri.

Konark Dance Festival

Another colourful festival is the Konark Dance Festival. This is a festival of classical dance. It is held from 1st to 5th December every year in the amphitheater. It is a most exciting dance events of the country. The festival has assumed a kind of distinctive significance and importance for the timely efforts it has made to wards the revival, preservation and continuation of unique temple dance tradition of Orissa. The festive nights serve the essential purpose of highlighting an important facet of Indian_fs composite culture and offers the audience a lavish feast for the eyes and ears.. As a tribute to the majestic monument, eminent classical dancers of India get together every year during this dance festival to present live performance. The dance is performed on the Open Air Auditorium set amidst the casuarinas grave with the Sun Temple, a World Heritage Monument, at the back drop.

When the sun sets in the horizon and the stars appear in the sky, the open-air-auditorium reverberates with the beats of Raga and Tala to fill the air. The classical extravaganza a journey through eternal ecstasy. The stage for the New Millennium Fete is all set to glow in pristine glory of much admired Odissi, Bharat Natyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Chhow Dance- a lavish feast for the eyes and ears.

See

The '''Sun Temple''' [http://konark.nic.in/] honors the sun-god Surya. It is in the shape of an enormous chariot with 24 wheels about three meters high and seven horses. It has extensive stone carvings on the walls. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Many of the stone carvings are highly erotic. Photos of them were used to illustrate one edition of the Kama Sutra. Konark is one of the well known tourist attractions of Orissa. Konark, Konark houses a colossal temple dedicated to the Sun God. Even in its ruined state it is a magnificient temple reflecting the genius of the architects that envisioned and built it. Bhubaneshwar, Konark and Puri constitute the Golden triangle of Orissa, visited in large numbers by pilgrims and tourists.

Konark is also known as Konaditya. The name Konark is derived form the words Kona - Corner and Arka - Sun; it is situated on the north eastern corner of Puri or the Chakrakshetra. Konark is also known as Arkakshetra.

This temple built in 1278 CE by the Ganga King Narasimha Deva is one of the grandest temples of India and was referred to as the Black Pagoda. The ruins of this temple were excavated in late 19th century. The tower over the Garbagriha is missing, however the Jagmohana is intact, and even in this state, it is awe inspiring.

Legend has it that Samba, the king of Krishna and Jambavati entered the bathing chamber of Krishna's wifes, and was cursed by Krishna with leprosy. It was decreed that he would be relieved of the curse by worshipping the sun God on the sea coast north east of Puri. Accordingly Samba reached Konaditya Kshetra and discovered an image of Surya seated on the lotus, worshipped him and was relieved of his curse.

It is said that the temple was not completed as conceived because the foundation was not strong enough to bear the weight of the heavy dome. Local beleif has it that it was constructed in entirety, however its magnetic dome caused ships to crash near the seashore, and that the dome was removed and destroyed and that the image of the Sun God was taken to Puri.

The Temple: The Konark temple is widely known not only for its architectural grandeur but also for the intricacy and profusion of sculptural work. The entire temple has been conceived as a chariot of the sun god with 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, with a set of spokes and elaborate carvings. Seven horses drag the temple. Two lions guard the entrance, crushing elephants. A flight of steps lead to the main entrance.

The nata mandir in front of the Jagamohana is also intricately carved. Around the base of the temple, and up the walls and roof, are carvings in the erotic style. There are images of animals, foliage, men, warriors on horses and other interesting patterns. There are three images of the Sun God, positioned to catch the rays of the sun at dawn, noon and sunset.

The Melakkadambur Shiva temple, built in the form of a chariot during the age of Kulottunga Chola I (1075-1120), is the earliest of this kind, and is still in a well preserved state. It is believed that this temple set the pace for the ratha (chariot) vimana temples in India, as a distant descendant of Kulottunga I on the female line, and thefamous Eastern Ganga ruler Narasimha Deva, built the Sun Temple at Konark in the form of a chariot in the 13th century. Kulottunga Chola is also credited with having built the Suryanaar temple near Kumbhakonam. Temples dedicated to the Sun are not a common feature in the Tamil speaking region of the Indian subcontinent.

Do

KONARK

Shopping in Konark Shopping in Konark is definitely a delight for shopping enthusiasts. The city is known for its exquisite handicrafts. One of the most popular shopping items of Konark comprises of the beautiful sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Apart from that, there are a number of decorative items of stone and natural wood that sell like hot cakes in the market. For art lovers, the best buys in the city are Patta paintings. There is also a great demand for the applique work of Pipli, which is easily available here.

You can also buy beautifully embroidered umbrellas, to give as souvenirs when you get back home. The traditional fabrics of Orissa are also available in Konark and are definitely on the list of must-buy items. Now, we have an answer to _ewhat to buy_f in Konark. As far as the shopping places in the city are concerned, the best place consists of Government run emporia, especially if you are looking out for some souvenirs or gifts for your near and dear ones. Along with that, there are a number of private shops also.

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Orissa Govt Yatrinivas [http://www.orissatourism.gov.in/new/booking.asp]

Private hotels are also available.

Places Around Konark

Index Content Sea Beach Museum Ramchandi Vishnu temple Astaranga Konark Matha Belesore Balighai Kakatapur Pipli Puri Bhubaneswar Kuruma Chaurasi SEA BEACH

The Konark Sea Beach is at a distance of 2 miles from the temple. The Romantic Beach has the distinction of being considered as one of the finest beach in the world. Quiter than Puri beach, it offers beautiful sunrise and sunset. The scene charm in a seclusion has made it the "Lovers Paradise". The Beach is especially lovely early in the morning, or when it is illuminated during the evenings.

MUSEUM

There is a small Museum outside the temple compound. Run by Archaelogical Survey of India, the Museum has an excellent collection of sculpture from the temple ruins.It remains open from 9.00 A.M. to 5.00 P.M. of Saturday to Thursday. Friday is closed. Entry is free of cost.

RAMACHANDI

To the south west of the Sun temple there is the temple of Goddess Ramachandi. There are, however, difference of opinion about the presiding deity of this temple. It has been surmised by some

that this was the temple of Mayadevi, wife of Surya (Sun god) while others opine that it was the earlier Sun temple in which Sun was being worshipped.

Now the temple has collapsed leaving remains of its broken walls and the empty throne. There is no historical evidence to conclude about its presiding deity. Mrs Debala Mitra has given a brief explanation about the temple meant for Surya (Sun), She writes --

"Since the reclamation of the temple from sand in the first decade of the present century, it has assumed its present name as the temple of Mayadevi who is popularly believed to be one of wives of Surya. In reality, this temple was meant originally for Surya, a presumption substantiated by its Parsvadevatas. That this temple with its own compund wall of laterite was earlier than Temple1 (Sun temple) is proved by the southern wall of the present enclosure itself. In the western flank of this wall exists an opening which served as the southern gate of Temple2 (Mayadevi temple) and was blocked up with the construction of the larger enclosure of Temple1 (Sun temple). The front (east) and the north walls of the earlier enclosure were dismantled when Temple1 (Sun temple) with its enclosure was built. The south-eastern corner of this earlier enclosure is still distinctly perceptible in the extant southern wall. It is not known if an image of one of the wives of Surya was consecrated in it after the erection of the new temple, Temple1 (Sun temple). The pedestal inside the sanctum was found empty when the temple was unearthed."

There are a number of popular stories involving Ramachandi as the chief goddess of the Konark kshetra and most probably Ramachandi was the presiding deity of this temple. As found in Puri Jagannath temple as well as in Bhubaneswar Lingaraj temple, so also Ramachandi, the chief goddess of the kshetra was perhaps enshrined in the enclosure of the main temple of Konark. There is also a popular story current about leaving of Konark by Ramachandi due to attack of Muslim Suleman Kalapahad in 1568.

It is stated that after destroying the Sun temple, Kalapahad came to Ramachandi's temple in the back side of the Sun temple in south estern corner. The goddess Ramachandi dressed as a Maluni (maid servant) told Kalapahad to wait at the door till she returned with water for the goddess. Kalapahad waited anxiously to get some cold water for a long time. But when it was too late he entered into the temple and found the throne empty. Then he followed the Maluni with great anger thinking that the Maluni carried away the goddess. He reached the bank of the river Kushabhadra and found the goddess Ramachandi floating in the middle of the river. The river was as in full spate, he came back without being able to cross the river. Being advised by goddess in a dream, a Panda (priest) built a temple on the bank of the river Kushabhadra, near the sea shore which is a sandy deserted place. Now the place is called Ramachandi and every year many visitors come here to enjoy the charming sight of nature and to make amusement.

So it is evident that from the time of Kalapahad i.e. 1568 A.D. the temple has been deserted and has collapsed in course of time. The main temple along with its Mukhasala had been built on one platform of 3'.2'' (965 cm) high. On the three sides of the temple walls i.e. south, west and north there were three figures of Sun god as side Gods. Now one can see these side gods in north and southern side, where as the figure of the western side has been displaced and is said to have been preserved in the National Museum at New Delhi. This image is said to have some sculptural specialisation and is regarded to be one of the beautiful images of the Sun god. Though smaller in size, the side-gods of this temple are of similar type in all respet with the side-Gods in the Sun temple. Only we find today the side images of the northern side is somewhat in good condition while the image in the southern side has no head and the hands broken.

There is only one door to enter into the temple through the eastern door of the Mukhasala. The throne of the presiding deity inside the main temple has also been broken in architectural totality this temple is of high order and attracts visitors.

VISHNU TEMPLE

There is a broken brick temple just behind the Ramachandi temple unearthed in the year 195 . It is said that this was the temple of Lord Vishnu. The roof of the temple has been broken completely leaving only its half broken walls. On the sides of the temple walls we find figures of Goddess Laxmi and Saraswati on the temple walls. There is no deity inside the temple.

There stands a pillar in front of the temple which is said to be the seat of Garuda, the cosmic charioteer of Lord Vishnu. Most probably twin images of Lord Krishna and Radha had been established in this temple.

ASTARANGA

Right on the Sea-shore, it is 91 kilometers from Puri and 10 kilometers from Kakatapur. Astaranga presents a panaromic view especially during sunset on a multicoloured horizon as if to justify the literal meaning of its name. It is a center of salt production and fishing.

KONARK MATHA

One Math (monastery) is situated in south just close to the compound wall of the Sun temple. There is no deity and only Nirakar Brahma (or void) is being worshiped in the Matha. Sunya Sadhana or the contemplation of the Eternal void is associated with the concept of Budhism. Local people identify it as 'Samba Ashram', place where Samba had raised his hutment for worshipping the Sun. There is a Dhuni Kund (fire place) where it is said, the fire has been reserved undiscontinued since the beginning of the Matha.

BELESORE

Balasore is 214 kilometers away from Bhubaneswar and 16 kilometers from Chandipur (northern coastal region). This district headquaters town was formerly an important maritime port, with trading links to Holland, England, France and Denmark. In 1634, it became the site for first British East India Company factory, in what was then Bengal. There are interesting temples in the nearby town of Remune (Khirachora Gopinath Temple) and at Devagiri Hill (Panchlingeswar Temple, known for its five lingams).

BALIGHAI

Balighai is 8 kilometers away from Puri.Just north of Puri,the Naunai River meets the see at Balighai. The juxtaposition of gentle, casuarina-lined river with crashing, desolate oceans coast is a strange and extremely beautiful one. Scroll along the river bank in the late afternoon, asending asending your way down to the sea. If you are lucky, you may catch a glimpse of the graceful small Baliharina deer who inhibit in the area. If not, stop at the sea turtle research project area, where you can watch the large creatures flapping around in their tanks. Approach to the beach and the river is through a path off Marine Drive, near the hotel Toshali Sands

PIPLI

Pipli 45 kilometers away from Konark.This town has become famous for its brightly coloured applique work, produced by dozens of craftsmen and their families. Their small workshops line the road, and one can wonder in and out, buing small bags, mediumsized wall hangings, or huge garden umbrellas. Pipli work is also available at the emporia in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Delhi (who can ship larger items home for one who orders), but it is fun to visit the craftsmen at work

KAKATAPUR

Situated on the Prachi Valley 61 kilometers from Bhubaneswar and 45 kilometers from Konark, Kakatapur is famous for housing the shrine of Goddess Mangala and Ranadurga. Ritualistically, Goddess Mangala is related to Lord Jagannath during the Navakalebar (Renovation Ceremony). The direction for locating the holy log which forms the icon of Lord is believed to come from Her. "Jhamu Yatra", celebrated in the month of Chaitra (April-May) is the major festival is her. The special attraction of the festival is walking of the devotees over a narrow trench containing lightened embers. In the Natamandira (dancing hall ) of Goddess Mangala there is a big bell on which "Grace fifteenth May 1527" is inscribed in English. It is not known how this bell came here. Regular bus service are available from Puri, Bhubaneswar and Cuttack

PURI

Puri, the city by the sea, is a major pilgrim centre in India. Adi Sankara founded one of the Peethas here. Puri is also famous for its golden Beach, idal for swimming and surfing. It is 35 kilometers away from Konark.

Puri combines its dual identities of a relaxed seaside resort and of an important pilgrimage centre with great ease, and the visitor will enjoy both aspects equally. Puri is one of the four holiest places in India for Hindus, and the presence of the Jagannath Temple has dominated life there since at least the twelfth century Throughout the year, the temple is a pulsating center of pilgrimage. The pulsations turn to electricity each sumer, when the temple images are taken on an annual pilgrimage themselves, carried from the temple in immense 40 feet chariots, in the spectacular Rath Yatra festival. Although the temple precincts are off-limits to non-Hindus, everyone can enjoy the lively bazaar area surrounding the temple, and can peer into the temple itself from the roof of the Raghunandan Library opposite. In addition to the bazaar area near the temple, superb shopping can be done in and around Puri by visiting the area's traditional painters and stone carvers. The beach area has been a popular seaside resort for decades, and some of the older hotels capture the charm of bygone days. There are also new hotels of great style and comfort, and it is quite possible to spend an entire vacation based at one of these lovely places, using Puri as a base for excursions to other parts of the state and returning to the solace of the sea in between.

BHUBANESWAR

Bhubaneswar, 65 kilometers away from Konark and the mordern capital of the state of Orissa, has been a political, religious, and cultural center for more than two millenia. It is the arrival point for most visitors to Orissa, and with its excellent hotels, headquarters Tourist Department offices, and central location, it is an excellent base for visiting other parts of Orissa, as well as an engrossing destination in its own right.

There are hundreds of temples remain standing in Bhubaneswar. Among them the Lingaraj temple dominates all other temples. Some kilometers away from Bhubaneswar on the way to Konark there is Dhauli where Emperor Ashok converted to Bhudhism after defeating the ancient kingdom of Kalinga (the previous name of Orissa). The effect of this was to have on the rest of India and Asia was profound. One contemporary monument is the Peace Pagoda on the hill oposite Dhauli, built in collaboration with Japanese Budhists in the twenteeth century, serving as a reminder of the continuity and strength of faith in this land. Norhwest of the temple town are the twin hills of Khandagiri and Udayagiri the silent observer Jainism. There are many more important temples like Parasurameswar, Mukteswar, Rajarani, Brahmeswar and State Museum serve the visiting purpose of the visitors very well.

KURUMA

Eight kilometers from the world famous Sun temple at Konark, Kuruma is a small village. Recent excavations here have brought to light the remeniscence of some ancient antiquities like the image of Budha seated in Bhumisparsa Mudra along with the image of Heruka and a 17 meters long brick wall (brick size 22 cm *17 cm). Scholars are of opinion that this was once of the sites containing Budhist stupas described by Hiuen T'Sang. The place is approachable by jeep

CHAURASI

Fourteen kilometers from Kakatapur on the way to Konark one can visit the shrines of Amareswara, Laximinarayana and Barahi at Chaurasi.

Barahi is the Mother of Goddess with the face of a boar.Pot bellied, she holds a fish in one hand and a cup in the other. The deity belongs to ninth century A.D. and is worshipped according to tantric practices.