Sunday, July 10, 2011

Konark Sun Temple, Orissa : Tourism, Location, How To Reach, Introduction, History, Main Attractions Near By Konark



Location : The Konark Sun Temple is the most popular tourist destination in Orissa and has been a World Heritage Site since 1984. It is located in the village of Konark, which is 35km north of Puri on the coast of the Bay of Bengal.

Konarak Sun Temple entrance


There are regular buses and Jeeps to Konark from Puri, which is 33km down the coast. The journey takes about an hour and the last bus back to Puri leaves at 6:30pm.

Alternatively, you can take an auto-rickshaw for Rs250-300 round trip, including waiting time.

Official guided tours leave from the Panthaniwas in Bhubaneswar (Tuesday-Sun 6:30-6:30, Rs130) and also visit Dhauli.

Introduction & History : Konark is one of the well known tourist attractions of Orissa. Konark, Konark houses a colossal temple dedicated to the Sun God. Even in its ruined state it is a magnificient temple reflecting the genius of the architects that envisioned and built it. Bhubaneshwar, Konark and Puri constitute the Golden triangle of Orissa, visited in large numbers by pilgrims and tourists.
Wheel at Konark Temple


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.

The temple comprised a sanctum with a lofty (presumably over 68 m. high) sikhara, a jagamohana (30. m. square and 30. m. high) and a detached nata-mandira (hall of dance) in the same axis, besides numerous subsidiary shrines. The sanctum and the nata-mandira have lost their roof. The nata-mandira exhibits a more balanced architectural design than that of other Orissan temples. The sanctum displays superb images of the Sun-god in the three projections which are treated as miniature shrines.



Konark Beach in Orissa
Balighai Beach, Konark
Konark Museum – Archaeological Museum
Goddess Ramachandi Temple, Konark
Lord Vishnu Temple at Konark
Konark Matha Monastery
Pipli
Puri


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