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.
Best time to visit: Being close the sea, the climate of Konark is never very harsh. With greenery surrounding the place, rainfall is heavy. The best season to visit Konark is between October and March; however, one can go there throughout the year.
History: Myths and legends are an integral part of most of the Indian temples and the Sun Temple of Konark is no exception. 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.
Tourist attractions: 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.
Places around: 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 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 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 & 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. The nearest railheads are Puri and Bhubaneswar. These two stations are connected to all the major cities in India through long-distance trains. It is connected with Kolkata, Bijapur, and Vishakhapatnam by road.
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