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.
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.
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.
A Wheel Of Konark Temple The guards of Konark Temple
The horse of the
Temple
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.
Sacred Pond
A stone's throw away from Konark beach lies the sacred pond where
Samba was cured of leprosy - the miracle that allegedly inspired
the founding of the sun temple. For a couple of days every year
during the full or "white" moon phase of Magha (Jan/Feb),
chandrabhaga is also the site of a big religious festival, the
Magha Saptami Mela.
The Konark
Temple
