Konark Sun Temple is a famous temple located in Puri in the state of Odisha, India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its architectural grandeur and intricate stone carvings. The temple is dedicated to Lord Sun (Surya Dev).
The temple was built in the 13th century during the reign of King Narasimhadeva of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. It is designed in the form of a chariot with 12 pairs of wheels pulled by seven horses, representing the Sun God's chariot.
The temple is famous for its intricate carvings, depicting various aspects of Indian mythology, everyday life and cultural and artistic expressions. The main sanctum sanctorum of the temple, which once housed the idol of Surya, is now empty due to the destruction caused by invasions and natural calamities.
The temple is also known for its astronomical significance. It is said that the temple was designed in such a way that the first rays of the sun would fall on the image of the Sun God, through the temple's entrance, at equinoxes.
Konark Sun Temple is a major tourist attraction in India and is visited by a large number of tourists every year. It is an important cultural heritage site that reflects India's rich history, art and architecture.
The carvings at the Konark Sun Temple are one of its most remarkable features. They cover every inch of the temple's exterior walls, pillars and roofs and are considered to be some of the finest examples of stone-carving in India.
The carvings at the temple are predominantly of gods and goddesses from Hindu mythology, as well as depictions of everyday life and scenes from the royal court. The intricate and detailed carvings show various forms of dance, music and art, as well as scenes from battlefields, hunting and other outdoor activities.
Some carvings are of the erotic sculptures or the "Maithuna" sculptures. These carvings depict sensuous scenes from the Kama Sutra, including couples in various sexual positions. These carvings are believed to have been included in the temple to represent the union of the male and female energies and the importance of the balance between the two in Hindu philosophy.
How to reach Konark :
By Air : The nearest airport to Konark is the Bhubaneswar Airport, which is approximately 65 km away from Konark. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Konark.
By Train : The nearest railway station to Konark is Puri, which is approximately 35 km away from Konark. There are regular trains from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai to Puri. From Puri, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Konark.
By Road : Konark is well-connected to major cities in Odisha through a network of state highways.
By Car : If you are traveling from Bhubaneswar, you can hire a car and drive down to Konark. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and the road conditions are generally good.
Best time to visit Konark :
The temple is situated near the sea beach (3.5 km from Chandrabhaga beach of the Bay of Bengal). So, the best time to visit Konark is during the winter months from October to February when the weather is cool and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 30°C. This is also the peak tourist season, so it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance.
#konarksuntemple #odishatourism #suntemple #puritourguide

свернуть