| FACTS
& FIGURES
Population : 12,681
Languages : Oriya, Hindi, Bengali, and English
Best time to visit : October to March
STD Code : 06758
LOCATION
The temple city of Konark is situated
in the eastern state of Orissa at a distance of around
65 km from Bhubaneswar and 35 km from Puri. The city
extends between longitude 86.08°E and latitude 19.53°N.
CLIMATE
Being close the sea, the climate of
Konark is never very harsh. With greenery surrounding
the place, rainfall is heavy in Konark. The best season
to visit Konark is between October and March; however,
one can go there throughout the year.
HISTORY AND MYTHOLOGY
Myths and legends are an integral part
of most of the Indian temples and the Sun Temple of
Konark is no exception to it. Crowned as the Black Pagoda,
this 13th-century temple is said to be related to Lord
Krishna. 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 honor he built this
temple.
However, history relates that Konark was actually built
by Narsinhadeva I of Ganga dynasty in the 13th century
ad on his victory over the Mughals. The temple fell
into disuse in the early 17th century after it was desecrated
by an envoy of the Mughal emperor Jahangir.
SITES TO VISIT
The UNESCO has listed the Sun Temple
as a World Heritage Site. The structure of the temple
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. 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.
The museum of the Archeological Survey of India is
just outside the temple enclosure. The museum houses
many sculptures and carvings from the ruins of the Sun
Temple. The stone images of nine planet deities, the
Navagrahas, which were originally set above the temple’s
ornamental doorways is now kept as a living shrine.
Situated around 3 km from the temple is Konark beach.
The beach is very picturesque and one gets the beautiful
sight of sunrise over here. One can also enjoy sunbathing
here.
SITES NEARBY
Kuruma is at a distance of around 8
km from Konark and is approachable by jeep. Many Buddhist
sites have been excavated here. A recent excavation
has unearthed antique images of Buddha seated in Bhumisparsa
Mudra (earth-touching pose) along with the image of
Heruka, who is related to Buddha Akshobhya family (water
element)
Chaurasi is the site of the shrines dedicated to Laxminarayanan,
Amareshras, and Barahi. Barahi is a deity dating back
to the 9th century adad, 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 is on the way to Konark from Puri. The place
is famous for its exquisite appliqué work, which
depicts the essence of Oriya culture. It is also the
home of the most colorful and original awnings, canopies,
garden and beach umbrellas, shoulder handbags, etc.
The cocktail effect of the colors is certainly a feast
for the eyes.
Situated 7 km 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.
At 45 km 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.
A famous fishing harbor, Astranga (of eight colors)
lies 55 km from Konark. Washed by the waters of the
Bay of Bengal, with its magnificent sunsets, the place
really lives to its name.
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
The Sun Temple of Konark provides an
ideal backdrop for the famous Konark Dance Festival,
which is celebrated every year in the month of December.
Most of the renowned Indian classical dancers perform
here and the festival provides a good occasion for the
people interested in the higher forms of dance such
as Bharat Natyam, Kathak, Odissi, Kathakali, etc. Apart
from the classical dance forms, Chau—Orissa’s
own folk dance form—is also performed during the
festival.
The Chandrabhaga Mela or Magh Saptami mela held 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.
Chaitra Prabha in March–April is the regional
harvest festival celebrated with colorful tribal dances,
including Chau.
HOW TO REACH
There is no direct connection from Konark
by air. Nearest airheads are Bhubaneswar and Puri. Indian
Airlines, Jet Air, and Sahara connect Bhubaneswar to
Delhi, Calcutta, Madras, Hyderabad, and Nagpur.
The nearest railheads are Puri and Bhubaneswar. These
two stations are connected to all the major cities in
India through long-distance trains.
Orissa State Road Transport Corporation and private
buses provide links with all parts of the state. Deluxe
coach services from Calcutta, Bijapur, and Vishakhapatnam
are available.
Taxis, air-conditioned tourist cars, minibuses, and
deluxe coaches can be used for sightseeing. For short
distances, it is advisable to use cycle rickshaws and
three-wheelers.
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