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| (The city of Sun Temple) |
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Bhubaneshwar
| Puri |
Konark |
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Area : 2.5 sq.
kms.
Location : 64 kms. from Bhubaneshwar
Altitude : Sea level
The chariot of the Sun Gold (black pagoda) is washed by the waters
of the Bay of Bengal, boasts of the most exquisite specimen of
Orissa craftsmanship. According to Rabindranath Tagore, ‘The
language of stone, defeats the language of man’ at the Konark Sun
Temple. It was built on the bay of Bengal in the 13th century AD,
lies almost 2 kms. off the shore. Konark is one of the most vivid
architectural treasures of Hindu India and is a world heritage site.
It no longer stands as a landmark on the seashore since the land has
risen.
The black pagoda to the European sailors, it captivates the
spectators’ imagination . Constructed by Raja Narasimhadeva, it is
an extant examples of Indian devotion to the sun-the god of all
gods, the very source of life itself.
In Konark , the ‘Natya Mandir’, the dance hall of the sun temple
probably remains as the last remnant of the glorious temples of
Orissa, an example of the architectural excellence of the times.
Built in the 13th century, a colossal image of the chariot of the
sun, drawn by seven horses and 24 wheels symbolize the division of
time.
The main tower of Konark stood as high as 227 feet, superceding both
Lingaraj and Jagannath temples. The Jagmohan ( porch) structure and
the tower are both situated atop the stone platform supporting the
24th wheels. Only two subsidiary temples out of the 22, which were
situated inside the temple precincts exist today. The Vaishnadevi
temple and the Mayadevi temple stand to the west of the towers.
The stand to the temple of Narasimhadeva is a royal, social,
religious and military. The intricate carvings on the walls and
wheels of the chariot are unprecedented in history. The fine
sculptures depicting court life, hunting, scenes, celestial deities
are epitomes of precision and graceful sculpture from the world of
the Kamasutra, epics of eroticism also adorn the structures. The sun
temple, standing in solitary splendour is the relic of a great past.
The history lovers can regale themselves at the archaeological
museum at the site of the Konark Sun Temple. The majestic sun temple
silhouetted against the setting sun remains indelibly etched in the
spectator’s memory.
Places of Interest :-
Nine Planets’ Shrine:
This 6 mts. Chlorite slab once the architecture above the main
entrance of the Jagamohan is now the centerpiece of a small shrine
just outside the temple walls. The carved figures represent Surya
(the sun) Chandra (moon) Mars, Mercury, Jupitar,Venus,Saturn,Rahu
and Ketu.
Archaeological Museum:
This largish museum along the main road outside the temple grounds
contains many sculptures and carvings found during the excavations
of the Sun Temple. Some of the smaller pieces (e.g. The statue of
Agni the Fire God) are particularly impressive. The museum is open
from 10 am to 5 pm daily except Monday.
Konark Beach (Chandrabhaga):
The local beach is in an area known as Chandrabhaga. It is about 3
kms from the temple. This part of the beach is quiet and clean but
beware of strong currents. |
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