Konark Sun Temple
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.
Surya - the Sun Temple is a magnificent example of ancient Orissan
temple architecture. The temple was built in 1250 AD, during the
reign of the Eastern Ganga King Narasimhadeva-I (1238-640 AD).
Carved out of black stone the Konark temple is the foremost specimen
and one of the most vivid manifestations of Hindu architecture.
Though the 'Black Pagoda' is in ruins, the remaining porch area and
other structures of this temple complex remain as a jewel in the
crown of Orissan artistry.
The word Konark is derived from two word KONA, means Corner and ARK,
means the Sun.
Today this magnificent pagoda is located 2.km from the sea, but in
olden times the sultry water of Bay of Bengal use to approach almost
up to its base. Until fairly recent times, the temple was close
enough to the shore and was used as a navigational point by European
sailors, they referred to it as the 'Black Pagoda due to its dark
color and of its magnetic power that drew ships into the shore and
cause shipwrecks.
