Toshali Sands

Poetry in Stone - Konark

The base of the Temple has 24 gigantic wheels which are carved. There are seven powerful horses which pull the chariot and the entire temple is covered with carvings sculptures, figures and bas-reliefs.

The Sun Temple of Konark is one of the most beautifully constructed Temples in the World. 65 kms from Bhubaneswar and close to the beach, this Temple- a wonderful aesthetic experience pulls countless visitors across the world .

History
Conceived as a gigantic chariot, Konark is a tribute in stone to the sun God-Surya. But very little is known about its early history. It is said to have been built by Narasimhadev when he defeated Muslim Invaders. In the early seventeenth century, one of Jehangir’s enjoys was thought to have desecrated it.

Till the early nineteen hundreds, it was a mammoth ruin. In 1904, the sand and debris were cleared and the Temple emerged, amazing archaeologists.

THE TEMPLE
The base of the Temple has 24 gigantic wheels which are carved. There are seven powerful horses which pull the chariot and the entire temple is covered with carvings, sculptures, figures and bas-reliefs.

The main gateway is guarded by two stone lions fighting elephants a recurring motif in Orissan Temple Architecture. Steps lead to the main entrance, surrounded by horses. The Jagamohan stnads but the duel behind is in ruins. Three images of Lord Surya sculpted in chlorite have been put in their former positions in such a way that they get the rays of the Sun at dawn, noon and sunset.

The dancing hall or Natyamandir is placed between the main steps and entrance sculpture. The Natyamandir is elaborately sculpted. The base of the Temple, is minutely sculpted and most of them are erotic in nature. They could be image on the spoke of a wheel or life-size figures high up on the walls. Close to the beach, Konark was visible to sailors and was also known as the Black Pogoda. Many Historians are of the opinion that Konark contained a huge mass of magnetic iron, which pulled many a ship to the shore.

Strangely enough, there is another Sun Temple at Konark at Luxor - in Egypt. The names of the Temples are similarly pronounced. Konark and Konark. Is there a connection between the two? Archaeologist are still figuring it out!

THE BEACH
The sea is 3 kms away from the Temple. And is cleaner and beautiful than most beaches nearby. But the current can suddenly become strong making the prospect of a sea-bath quite risky.