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The Konark Sun Temple Complex is the prime attraction of the city of Konark. This temple is situated at a distance of 65 km from Bhubaneswar. This Konark Sun Temple Complex is an architectural marvel.
This temple was built during the reign of Ganga king Narsimhdeva I during 1250 AD. The temple is carved out of black stone and is the best example of Hindu architecture. This beautiful temple is located 3 km away from the sea. The European sailors used to refer this temple as the ‘Black Pagoda’ owing to its black color.
The ruins of this temple were excavated in the 19th century. The temple is magnificent in its sculptural majesty. This temple is in the form of a chariot which is drawn by seven horses. This chariot has 24 wheels of 10 ft diameter. The intricate carvings on the wheels are beyond words. The spokes of these wheels are supposed to serve as sun dials and the shadow that is formed by these spokes tell you the precise time of the day. It is said that the wheels represent 24 hours of the day and seven horses of this chariot are representative of seven days of the week. There are images of two lions at the entrance of the temple. The walls of the temple, or in fact the temple complex where the Sun Temple is housed, are adorned with intricate erotic carvings, which resonate glory of a much more liberal era. However, the Sun Temple and other temples in this vast temple complex are no longer used for worship.
As with the many temples in India, the Sun Temple too has a legendary tale associated with it. It is believed by many that this temple was constructed by Samba- the son of Lord Krishna. He was cured by the Sun God of the leprosy, which was caused by his father’s curse. As he was cured of the disease after long years of penance, he built this temple as homage to the Sun God. However, this is nothing but popular perception in the land of myths and legends, devoid of any historic value. Historians on the contrary believes that this temple was built by Narasimhadeva as a victory monument. He erected this temple to commemorate his victory over Muslim invaders.
Just 3 km from the temple you can find a fine beach. Near this beach there is the pond whose waters are supposed to have cured Lord Krishna’s son Samba. The beach is quite renowned for the most beautiful sunrise and sunsets.
The Konark Sun Temple Complex can be reached easily, the nearest railhead being Bhubaneswar, which is 65 km away. You can reach this place by bus, which runs regularly from Puri. The Konark Sun Temple Complex is a magnum opus of Kalinga architecture. Visit this enchanting place and feel the glory of heritage of India. This is one place which is worth visiting while on a tour to India.
To know more about Tourist Attractions in and around Konark go to:
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