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The Language Of The Stone
Konark, also known as "Arka-Tirtha", is known for its temple of
Lord Surya, the sun god. It is situated on the seashore, 33-km north of
Puri and 64-km from Bhubaneswar. It was
constructed of black stone in the beginning of the 13th century, and it is
considered one of the most vivid architectural showpieces of Hindu India.
Despite the fact that the 'Black Pagoda' is in ruins, the remaining porch
area and other structures of this temple complex remain as a crown jewel
of Orissan artwork.
The
Legend
Mistaking the sea at Puri for the Yamuna River, Sri
Chaitanya jumped in and was washed by the ocean 33-km north to the Konark
area, where an astonished fisherman caught him in his net.
The Sun Temple
The Orissan King 'Raja Narasimha Deva' built this temple in the 13th
century. It took 1,200 workmen over 16 years to build. It is believed that
the temple was no longer used from the early 17th century when the temple
was desecrated by Muslim invaders. In 1904 the sand around the temple base
was cleared.
This impressive temple resembles a huge chariot with 24 huge wheels being
pulled by seven horses. Great pairs of large intricately carved wheels
were carved on both sides of the 4m high platform that the temple is on.
There are two rows of 12 wheels on each side of the temple. Some say the
wheels represent the 24 hours in a day and others say the 12 months. The
seven horses are said to symbolize the seven days of the week. There is a
dancing hall here, an audience hall and a high tower too. This temple was
once called the Black Pagoda by sailors because it was supposed to draw
ships into the shore and cause shipwrecks.
Konark Beach
There is a nice quiet beach about 3-km from the temple. The currents can
be strong here, so swimming can be dangerous. Not far from the beach is a
pond where Krishna's son Samba is said to have been cured from leprosy.
Every year during the full moon phase in the month of Magha there is a
festival called "Magha Saptami Mela". People bathe in the pond
at night and then watch the sun rise over the sea the next morning.
The Sun Temple Museum
The Sun Temple Museum run by the Archaeological Survey of India has a
excellent collection of sculptures from the temple ruins. One can also
purchase the "Archaeological Survey of India's Sun Temple-Konark"
from here. It is not sold at the temple itself.
Kuruma
This place approachable by jeeps is just 8-kms from Konark. Recent
excavations have brought this small village into the limelight with the
discovery of antique images of Buddha seated in "Bhumispara Mudra"
along with the image of "Heruka".
Chaurasi
Here one may visit the shrines of 'Laxminarayanan', 'Amareshras' and
'Barahi'. Barahi is a deity dating back to the 9th Century AD and is
worshipped according to tantric practices. She is a mother goddess with
the face of a boar and is holding a fish in one hand and a cup in the
other.
Ramachandi
7-kms from Konark, it is accessible by road (Marine drive). Ramachandi is
situated at the confluence of the River Kusabhadra and the Bay of Bengal.
It is a beautiful spot and Goddess Ramachandi, the deity of Konark, is
worshipped here.
Astranga
Washed by the clear blue waters of the Bay of Bengal it really lives upto
its name. 'Astranga' literally means varied colours. 55-kms from Konark,
the sunset is a spectacular scene. It is a famous fishing harbour.
Kakatapur
Kakatapur lies 45-kms from Konark. Well connected by regular bus services
from Puri Bhubaneshwar
and Cuttack . It is situated in the Prachi
valley and is known for the shrines of Goddess 'Mangala' and 'Banadurga'.
Legend has it that direction for locating the holy log from which is
created the icon of Lord Jagannatha comes from her. The much-famed 'Jhamu
Yatra' is celebrated in April - May where the devotees walk over a narrow
trench strewn with lighted embers. It is a major festival here.
Pipli (44-kms)
Pipli, close to Konark, is a centre for applique work.
Air: The nearest airport from
Konark is situated at
Bhubaneswar.
Rail: Bhubaneswar is the nearest railhead situated at 65-km from
Konark.
Road: Konark is located 65-km from Bhubaneswar and 35-km north of
Puri on Marine Drive, right next to the ocean. There
are regular buses to and from Puri that take about an hour. From
Bhubaneswar, with a change of buses at Pipli, it takes from two to four
hours. There is a direct tourist bus that leaves from the town bus stand
in Bhunaneswar at 10am. There is a daily tour bus that goes to Konark from
Puri and a tour bus from Bhubaneswar. One can also take a taxi from Puri.
LODGES
& HOTELS
Labanya lodge
Lodging Sunrise
OTDC's Travellers Lodge
Yatri Niwas
OTDC's Panthaniwas
FESTIVALS
Konark, lying in the country's tropical belt is amiable all the year
round. But those who desire to see Konark in full splendour should come
here in the month of February for the "Magha Saptami", also
called "Chandrabhaga Mela"
, when pilgrims from all over the world visit this place.
Tourists interested in Indian dance and music should visit Konark during
1st week of December to see the
Konark Dance Festival
held in the Open Air Auditorium North of the
Konark Sun Temple .
Nearby Cities
Bhubaneswar : 64-km
Puri : 33-km
Ramchandi : 8-km
Baleswar : 20-km
Balighai : 25-km
Kapileswar : 10-km
Kurum : 8-km
Kakatapur : 25-km
Chourasi : 35-km
