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An Architecture Marvel of Eastern India and A symbol of India's heritage, Konark Sun Temple,                             
commonly known as Konark is situated in the eastern state of Odisha (earlier known as                             
Orissa), India and is one of the eminent tourist attractions. Konark houses a massive temple                             
dedicated to the Sun God. The word 'Konark' is a combination of two words 'Kona' and 'Arka'.                                 
'Kona' means 'Corner' and 'Arka' means 'Sun', so when combines it becomes 'Sun of the Corner'.                               
Konark Sun Temple is situated on the north eastern corner of Puri and is dedicated to Sun                                 
God. Konark is also known as Arka khetra. There are ​three images of the Sun God at three                         
different sides of the temple, positioned in proper direction to catch the rays of the sun at                                 
morning, noon and evening. 
 
Sun Temple of Konark, built in the middle of 13th century, is a massive conception of artistic                                 
magnificence and engineering dexterity. King Narasimhadeva I, the great ruler of the Ganga                         
dynasty had built this temple, with the help of 1200 artisans within a period of 12 years                                 
(1243-1255 A.D.). Since the ruler used to worship the Sun, the temple was considered as a                               
chariot for the Sun God. Konark Temple was designed in the form of a gorgeously decorated                               
chariot mounted on 24 wheels , each about 10 feet in diameter, and drawn by 7 mighty                                 
horses. It is really difficult to understand, how this huge temple, every inch-space of which                             
was so wonderfully carved, could have been completed within such a short time. Whatever                           
that might be, the konark temple even in its present ruined state, still a wonder to the whole                                   
world. Great poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote of Konark: "here the language of stone                       
surpasses the language of man." 
 
 
 
Konark Surya Temple 13th Century (Monuments of India, Vol. 1)
Satellite View of Konark Sun Temple
Around the base of the temple there are images of animals, foliage, warriors on horses and                               
other interesting structures. On the walls and roof of the temple beautiful erotic figures are                             
carved. Sun temple of Konark is a masterpiece of Orissa's medieval architecture. 
 
The Konark temple is widely known not only for its ​architectural greatness but also for the                             
sophistication and abundance of sculptural work. Konark is an exceptional mixture of                       
marvelous temple architecture, heritage, exotic beach and salient natural beauty. The large                       
structure of Konark Temple seen today is actually the entrance of the main temple. The main                               
temple which enshrined the presiding deity has fallen off and only the remains can be seen.                               
Even in its ruined state it is a magnificent temple reflecting the mastermind of the architects                               
that imagined and constructed it. 
 
Sun Temple of Konark, Puri, Odisha, India
Inspite of the decay over the centuries the beauty of this monument is still amazing. If you                                 
are seriously interested in architecture and sculpture then you must visit this world famous                           
monument. 
 
Main Attractions
● The main temple structure and the geometrical patterns all 
around the temple 
● The carved wheels and the spokes of the wheel which serve as 
sun dials 
● Architectural figures including the war horses, the elephants and 
the guarding lions at the entrance 
● The Nata Mandir (Dancing Hall) 
● Three images of Sun God at three direction of the temple to 
catch the rays of the Sun at dawn, noon and sunset 
● The various images of dieties, dancers, musicians, elephants and 
mythical creatures 
● The second level of the temple structure which showcases the 
famous erotic sculptures 
● The Sun temple museum run by Archaelogical Survey of India 
● The Nava Graha (Nine Planets) Temple 
Facts
● The Konark is the third link of Odisha's Golden Triangle. The first 
link is Jagannath Puri and the second link is Bhubaneswar (Capital 
city of Odisha) 
● The Konark temple is constructed as a gigantic chariot with 24 
wheels about three meters high and pulled by 7 horses, housing 
the Sun God within 
● The entrance is guarded by two huge lions, each killing a war 
elephant and beneath the elephant is a man. The lions represent 
pride, elephants represent wealth and both of them consumes 
man 
● Konark temple was initially built on the sea bank but now the sea 
has receded and the temple is a little away from the beach. This 
temple was also known as 'BLACK PAGODA' due to its dark color 
and used as a navigational landmark by ancient sailors to Odisha 
● Everyday, the Sun's rays would reach the Nata Mandir from the 
coast and reflects from the diamond placed at the center of the 
idol 
● A heavy magnet was placed at the temple top and every two 
stones of the temple is sandwiched by iron plates. The idol was 
said to have been floating in air due to the arrangement of 
magnets. The magnet at the top is said to have disturbed 
compasses for coastal voyagers and later on removed. 
 
For more information regarding the konark temple visit - 
http://www.easternprodigy.com 
 

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Konark the suntemple

  • 1. An Architecture Marvel of Eastern India and A symbol of India's heritage, Konark Sun Temple,                              commonly known as Konark is situated in the eastern state of Odisha (earlier known as                              Orissa), India and is one of the eminent tourist attractions. Konark houses a massive temple                              dedicated to the Sun God. The word 'Konark' is a combination of two words 'Kona' and 'Arka'.                                  'Kona' means 'Corner' and 'Arka' means 'Sun', so when combines it becomes 'Sun of the Corner'.                                Konark Sun Temple is situated on the north eastern corner of Puri and is dedicated to Sun                                  God. Konark is also known as Arka khetra. There are ​three images of the Sun God at three                          different sides of the temple, positioned in proper direction to catch the rays of the sun at                                  morning, noon and evening.    Sun Temple of Konark, built in the middle of 13th century, is a massive conception of artistic                                  magnificence and engineering dexterity. King Narasimhadeva I, the great ruler of the Ganga                          dynasty had built this temple, with the help of 1200 artisans within a period of 12 years                                  (1243-1255 A.D.). Since the ruler used to worship the Sun, the temple was considered as a                                chariot for the Sun God. Konark Temple was designed in the form of a gorgeously decorated                                chariot mounted on 24 wheels , each about 10 feet in diameter, and drawn by 7 mighty                                  horses. It is really difficult to understand, how this huge temple, every inch-space of which                              was so wonderfully carved, could have been completed within such a short time. Whatever                            that might be, the konark temple even in its present ruined state, still a wonder to the whole                                    world. Great poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote of Konark: "here the language of stone                        surpasses the language of man."        Konark Surya Temple 13th Century (Monuments of India, Vol. 1)
  • 2. Satellite View of Konark Sun Temple Around the base of the temple there are images of animals, foliage, warriors on horses and                                other interesting structures. On the walls and roof of the temple beautiful erotic figures are                              carved. Sun temple of Konark is a masterpiece of Orissa's medieval architecture.    The Konark temple is widely known not only for its ​architectural greatness but also for the                              sophistication and abundance of sculptural work. Konark is an exceptional mixture of                        marvelous temple architecture, heritage, exotic beach and salient natural beauty. The large                        structure of Konark Temple seen today is actually the entrance of the main temple. The main                                temple which enshrined the presiding deity has fallen off and only the remains can be seen.                                Even in its ruined state it is a magnificent temple reflecting the mastermind of the architects                                that imagined and constructed it.    Sun Temple of Konark, Puri, Odisha, India Inspite of the decay over the centuries the beauty of this monument is still amazing. If you                                  are seriously interested in architecture and sculpture then you must visit this world famous                            monument.   
  • 3. Main Attractions ● The main temple structure and the geometrical patterns all  around the temple  ● The carved wheels and the spokes of the wheel which serve as  sun dials  ● Architectural figures including the war horses, the elephants and  the guarding lions at the entrance  ● The Nata Mandir (Dancing Hall)  ● Three images of Sun God at three direction of the temple to  catch the rays of the Sun at dawn, noon and sunset  ● The various images of dieties, dancers, musicians, elephants and  mythical creatures  ● The second level of the temple structure which showcases the  famous erotic sculptures  ● The Sun temple museum run by Archaelogical Survey of India  ● The Nava Graha (Nine Planets) Temple  Facts ● The Konark is the third link of Odisha's Golden Triangle. The first  link is Jagannath Puri and the second link is Bhubaneswar (Capital  city of Odisha)  ● The Konark temple is constructed as a gigantic chariot with 24  wheels about three meters high and pulled by 7 horses, housing  the Sun God within  ● The entrance is guarded by two huge lions, each killing a war  elephant and beneath the elephant is a man. The lions represent  pride, elephants represent wealth and both of them consumes  man  ● Konark temple was initially built on the sea bank but now the sea  has receded and the temple is a little away from the beach. This