KONARK TEMPLE

The Konark Temple or the Surya Temple at Konark was built in the 13th century AD by King Langula Narasimha Deva I. Designed in the shape of a massive chariot with 12 pairs of wheels and drawn by seven horses using khondalite stone. In Hindu mythology, the chariot with seven horses is the mount of the Surya or the Sun God where seven horses represents seven days of the week, 12 pairs of wheels the 12 months and eight spokes eight prahars of the day. The temple was completed in 16 years with the help of 1200 masons.

The temple originally comprised of a Gajasimha or the Main Entrance, Nat Mandir or the Dance Hall, Jagamohan or the Audience Hall and Deul or the main sanctum. Now the Deul is not there as it collapsed a long time back. The Konark Temple is profusely carved with sculptures depicting themes from daily life including the dancers, musicians, mythological scenes, mithuna or erotic couples, court life, hunting scenes an elephant fights.

The three images of Surya made of chlorite are restored to their original position now to catch the first ray of sun at dawn, noon and sunset. The presiding idol of the Surya was removed from here and placed in the Jaganath Temple in the 17th century AD.
Konark Temple was placed near the sea and was called as the 'Black Pagoda' by the sailors. The Konark Temple is believed to contain a great mass of magnetic iron, which would draw the ships towards the temple. India Golden Triangle offers online booking requests for tour and tour packages to East India Golden Triangle.