The Sun Temple Konark Built in The 13th Century in Orissa - India

The Sun Temple Konark UNESCO World Heritage Site is Located in Konark. 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. The Konark temple is widely known not only for its architectural grandeur but also for the intricacy and profusion of sculptural work.

Famous for : UNESCO World Heritage Site and Architecture

Location : Eastern Coast of Odisha India

Coordinates : 19.90°N 86.12°E

Nearest Airport: Bhubaneswar - 65Km

Best Time to Visit : October - February

Local Language : Oriya,Hindi,Bengali and English

Timing : Open from sunrise to sunset

Entrance Fee:

Children up to 15 years free

Citizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan) and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar) - Rs. 10 per head.

Others: US $ 5 or Indian Rs. 250/- per head.

The Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century Hindu temple dedicated to the God Sun.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.Built in the thirteenth century, it was conceived as a gigantic solar chariot with twelve pairs of exquisitely-ornamented wheels dragged by seven rearing horses. 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. 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 Sun Temple built in the thirteenth century was conveived as a gigantic chariot of Sun God, with twelve pairs of exquisitely ornamented wheels pulled by seven pairs of horses. On the shores of the Bay of Bengal, bathed in the rays of the rising sun, the temple at Konarak is a monumental representation of the sun god Surya’s chariot; its 24 wheels are decorated with symbolic designs and it is led by a team of six horses. 

Built in the 13th century, it is one of India’s most famous Brahman sanctuaries.Majestic in conception, this Temple is indeed one of the most sublime monuments of India, famous as much for its imposing dimensions and faultless proportions as for the harmonious integration of of architectural grandeur with plastic allegiance. It is admittedly the best in Orissa. Its fine traceries and scroll work , the beautiful and natural cut of animal and human figures, all give it a superiority over other temples.Outside the Konark Sun Temple, you come across trees including rosewood, mahogany as well as eel. However, most of the part of the Konark temple came to ruins as a result of Kalaphad’s invasive attack on Odisha (Orissa).There are several smaller shrines situated in the neighborhood of the Sun Temple. In them are found Rameswar,Chitreswara,Tribeniswara, and Utpaleswar, all Siva-lingas; and Ramachandi Rudrani, Khileswari, Charchika and Chitreswari, various forms of Goddess Durga.

Other Attractions at Konark Sun Temple

1. Deul(Garbha-Griha)
2. Jagamohan
3. Nat Mandir
4. Bhog Mandir
5. Maya Devi Temple
6. Vaishnava Temple

Shopping Near Konark Sun Temple

Konark is famous for its shopping destination too. The best way to enjoy shopping in Konark would be a leisurely stroll through the markets of the city of Konark.The city is known for its exquisite handicrafts. One of the most popular shopping items of Konark comprises of the beautiful sculptures of Hindu Gods and Goddesses.The Patta paintings and the appliqué work of Pipli or the brilliantly embroidered umbrellas. Government emporiums which stock fabrics and handicrafts items from across the state. There is also a great demand for the appliqué work of Pipli, which is easily available here. Here is the list of some markets and shops for shopping.

Urban hataKonark
Konark new Market
Junai Market

Restaurants Near Konark Sun Temple

Near Konark Sun Temple complex has numbers of local dhabas and Restaurants serving a delightfull vegeterian and non-vegeterians food. Some of them listed bellow.

Kamat Restaurant
Santoshi Restaurant
Geetanjali Restaurant
Sun temple Restaurant
Shanti Restaurant
Deluxe Restaurant
Baba Sweet Shop

Images drawn over the walls of the Temple at Konark pose animals such as snakes, giraffe, elephants etc. Mythological figures also cover the walls of the temple. Images of God Vishni, Lord Shiva as well as Goddess Shakti intricately crafted. Also come across women showcasing their beauty in the most seductive manner. Near the Sun Temple of Konark, the remnants of Vaishnava Temple as well as Mahagayitri temple can also be spotted. The carved wheels and the spokes of the wheel which serve as sun dials.

 

Tourist Attractions Near Konark Sun Temple

Chandrabhaga Sea Beach is Situated 3km east of the famous Sun temple of Konark.

Kuruma is Situated 8km the south-east of the sun temple of Konark.

Ramchandi Temple is Situated 7km enroute to Konark on the marine road from Puri.

Pipili is Situated 23km from Konark, the small village of Pipli.

Kakatpur is Situated 30km from Konark is a small village on the Puri-Astaranga road.

How to Reach Konark Sun Temple Orissa

By Air :

There is no direct connection from Konark by air. Nearest air heads are Bhubaneswar and Puri. Indian Airlines, Jet Air, and Sahara connect Bhubaneswar is linked with Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Bangalore, and Nagpur and operates several direct flights.

By Rail :

The nearest Railway Station are Puri and Bhubaneswar. These two stations are connected to all the major cities in India through long-distance trains.

By Road :

You can take an auto-rickshaw for Rs 250-300 round trip with waiting time. Orissa State Road Transport Corporation and private buses provide links with all parts of the state. 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. To reach Konark from Bhubaneswar, after traveling 20km take a left turn once you reach Pipli village. The road straight ahead leads to Puri. Hiring a taxi is the best way of travel between Puri and Konark. Deluxe coach services from Calcutta, Bijapur, and Vishakhapatnam are available.

Hotels Near Konark Sun Temple

Surya Inn

Near Konark Temple, Konark

Nature Camp Konark Retreat

Near Konark Temple, Konark

Sun Temple Hotel

Near Konark Temple, Konark

Lotus Resort Konark

Near Konark Temple, Konark

Ram Chandi Temple

Near Konark Temple, Konark

Google Map For Konark Sun Temple