This might sounds very insane to many as how could be temple is unholy. But this is what associated with Konark Sun Temple. Ancient India is full of stories about incredible places and The Konark Sun Temple is one such place where the deity is not worshipped. Known for its elegant architectural beauty, this 700-year-old temple is surrounded by many stories and mysteries. Still the part of the temple "a wheels" found a place in the recently concluded G20 summit in India.
This temple was called the "Black Pagoda" in European sailor accounts as early as 1676 because it looked like a great tiered tower which appeared black
I heard of this place from my dad, from my brother, and many other people, but never had a chance to make a trip to this place. But when I had the opportunity, I didn't wasted time to explore the unsolved and tangled mystery of the Konark Sun Temple. Konark Sun Temple is located on the eastern coast of India in Puri, Odisha. It is about 65 km from the capital city of Bhubaneswar. One can reach Bhubaneswar via airways and railways. And further hire taxi to reach at this place.
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If you want to know something new, you will have to spend time. Konark Temple is within 200-300 meters from the main road. There are many shops on the way to the temple. After seeing those shops, we reached Konark gate. The big dome of the temple was visible from a distance. There was a entry ticket of Rs 10 at the gate and after security checks I entered inside the complex. The view inside was very beautiful and astonishing. This is the first shot I took which covers the entire temple complex.
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The scene inside the gate was very different. Being a weekend, a lot of people had come to the see temple. Everyone looked at the temple and was amazed and beading their own something about it. There was only one question in everyone's mind that why is this temple cursed. Everyone was wandering around in their own confusion and was amazed to see the artistic design and beauty there. That temple is a wonderful confluence of artists and history.
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There is no doubt that there are hundreds of ancient magnificent temples big or smalls in India. Esch of them are unmatched structures and beautiful craftsmanship. There are only a handful of temples in India dedicated to Surya, the sun-god and Konark Sun Temple is one them.
The temple is in the shape of a chariot, with exquisitely carved wheels and galloping horses. The temple's architecture is an excellent example of the Kalinga style of architecture.
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The first rays of the sun fall on the temple’s main entrance, and it’s interesting to know that the iconic wheel also works as a sundial. Also, it tells the exact time.
The 12 wheels signify the 12 months of the year and the 8 spokes represent the 8 prahars or time divisions of the day. According to legend, it is said that the Konark sundial was used to calculate the precise time of day based on the position of the sun.
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The temple also features elaborate stone carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The walls of the temple contains, super carving of divine , semi divine human and animal figures amidst floral and geometric ornamentation. The vivacious Kanyas and dancers are remarkable for their sensuous modeling. Pulsating with human emotions which are absorbed in variety of gestures and rhythmic actions.
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The mysteries of Konark Sun Temple are surrounded by fascinating myths, and folklore, both solved and unsolved. The temple has seen many changes over the time, the cities being distorted and rebuilt, kingdoms rising and falling, and identities being washed away, all have occurred at the temple. There are many things which cannot be put in words. To learn more on the mystery, myths and stories associated with the temple visit the wikipedia page. This only leaves you with the option of visiting the location, experiencing the grandeur of the Temple, admiring the beauty around you, and returning with your own theory about what would have happened.
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The Konark Sun Temple in Odisha is one such destination, that surprise todays modern engineering and science. It is a UNESCO heritage site. Some of the mystery surrounding the temple is extremely intriguing, like *The Temple door has been closed for over 118 years. No diety is worshipped in the temple etc. However there is this story about it's arvhitect which is more popular among all.
Your visit won't go unexplored. One can simply admire the magnificent craftsmanship performed on the stones of the temple and cherish them everytime,such unbelivable places exists in India.
The best time to make a trip is during the winter i.e Nov to March. You will definitely enjoy the place.