Built way back in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva, Konark Sun temple is a fabulous example of the Kalinga style of temple architecture. Konark temple was strategically built at the confluence of River Chandrabhaga and the sea at Konark.

It is said that the construction of the temple was so costly that it took 12 years of the kingdom’s revenues to raise this marvelous temple! This temple was constructed towards the end of Odisha’s glorious temple building phase and has over the years become the most famous sun temple in India! The temple is popular for its unique chariot-like structure consisting of seven horses and twelve wheels depicting the chariot of sun god, Surya. If you thought that the exteriors of the Sun temple were beautiful, wait until you venture inside. The stone walls of the temple are decorated with intricate engravings depicting thousands of images of deities, people, birds, animals, and mythological creatures.

Mythological significance of Konark Sun temple

Konark Sun temple is among the most popular pilgrimage destinations in India. And it is believed that the temple was built by Lord Krishna as a gratitude to Lord Surya, the Sun God. When Lord Krishna’s son Samba was smitten with leprosy, due to his father’s curse, Lord Krishna decided to go through a severe penance for 12 long years at Mitravana near the Chandrabhaga River. He ultimately succeeded in appeasing the Sun God Surya, the healer of skin diseases and Samba was cured of his illness. Another legend states that Lord Vishnu, after killing the demon Gyasur, kept his belongings at several sites to commemorate his victory. He kept his Conch at Puri, Mace at Jajapur, Disc at Bhubaneswar and his beloved Lotus at Konark.

Architectural Marvels of Konark Sun Temple

The Konark temple can be broadly classified into five projections and hence it is called Pancha Ratha. The main temple is called Vimana. The temple also consists of a dancing hall (Nirtya Mandapa) and a gathering hall (Jagamohana) which was built for offering Aarati Nrityas (dances) by the Devadashis (dancing girls) during the worship of the Sun God. The Sun temple has a pyramidal roof, which is divided into three tiers. Each of these tiers depict a number of life-size women standing in different dance poses.

The temple has four broad doors on four sides. The Western door leads you to the inner sanctum called Antarala while the others mainly act as an exit from the main temple. The temple has huge pillars, decorated with intricately engraved with pictures from the ancient times. The entrances of the interior have beautiful paintings. All the paintings on the walls of the temple string together mythological tales, which keep you entertained through the temple tour.

The basement of the temple has carvings of 1452 elephants in various poses. There are also pictures of attendants holding the royal umbrella for the king, of warriors holding swords and shields who are ready for an upcoming war. There are also paintings of hunters chasing beers in the forest. The most heart whelming depiction is of an old lady going on pilgrimage who is seen blessing her son. The middle row is decorated with imaginary figures like Gajasardula (lion upon an elephant), Naravyala (lion upon a man) and Nagamithunas (half-human and half-serpent couples) who live in deep waters of the sea where they hide their treasures. Finally, the upper structure of the Konark Sun temple is built with colorful sandstone blocks, giving a vibrant feel to the entire temple.