Sun Temple, Konark - A Must Visit Shrine
The beautiful Sun Temple, Konark is dedicated to the Sun God; it was built in the 13th century in the shape of a giant chariot. The Konark Sun Temple is a very famous place in Odisha and it receives large number of tourists and pilgrims throughout the year. The word Konark is a grouping of two Sanskrit words, ‘Kona’ means corner or angle and ‘Ark’ stands for the sun. From these two words came the name of this small town Konark.The Sun Temple, Konark is one of the famous tourist destinations in Odisha and it is also known as the World Heritage Site. To get a clear idea about this beautiful temple, here are some of the important information you must know before visiting the place.
Quick Glance
Location: Konark, Odisha 752111
Timing: 6:00am - 8:00pm
Built by: King Narsimha Deva
Architecture: Kalinga architectural style
Entry Fee: INR 600 for foreigners (Rates may vary)
Online Tickets: Available
Camera: Allowed
Best time to visit: September- March
Konark is in a coastal destination and it is best explored in the winter season. The weather in Odisha during winters are very pleasant, if you are planning for a trip, then make sure you visit between September- March.
Sun Temple in Konark
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Interesting Things about the Sun Temple
The history of Konark has many stories related to the Sun Temple, Konark. However, nothing is more interesting than knowing that the Sun Temple was said to have magnetic powers. The temple was also called the Black Pagoda because of its dark front elevation. The European sailors used the temple for the navigation of their ships. When you visit the temple, the first thing you’ll be mesmerized with is the architecture of the Sun Temple. Take a look at some of the detailed works on the exterior of the temple. It is said to be a visual treat to your eyes.The Architecture of Sun Temple, Konark
The Kalinga architectural style of the Sun Temple in Konark is amazing to look at and is carved out of a single stone. The structure of the temple depicts a giant 100ft high chariot. This architecture of the temple has 24 wheels that have incredible detailing on it. The wheels are around 12 feet in diameter and it is drawn by seven horses. The wheels stand for 12 months of the year and the horses represent the seven days of the week. There are also eight spokes in the wheel that are said to represent the cycle of the days.The main motive behind this depiction is to illustrate the cycle of the sun and how it controls everything. On entering the Konark Sun Temple, the first thing to see is the Shrine dedicated to Surya, and it is made with Chlorite stone. The walls of the temple also depict a very beautiful carving of various figures of Hindu gods, the imagery of everyday mortal life, birds, etc. Another interesting thing about the wheels of Sun Temple is that it’s also treated as a sundial and it is capable of predicting the time.
Multiple Routes to Sun Temple
Since the Sun Temple is in Konark, which is in the district of Puri, Odisha, the roads are well connected with Bhubaneshwar 60km (37mi) and Puri 35km (22mi) by numerous transport services. You can choose any route to reach the famous town, and to give you some choices, here are the options for you.
Nearest Airport
The Konark Sun Temple, Konark is around 65km (40mi) away from the Biju Patnaik International Airport or Bhubaneshwar Airport. You will not face any problem in traveling to the locations and it will hardly be a one-hour drive from the airport.
Nearest Bus Stand
The Sun Temple, Konark is close to the Konark Bus stop. There are many private and OSRTC buses available from Puri to Konark and vice versa. So if you are willing to take the route by road, a bus will be an apt option.
Nearest Railway Station
The railway route to the Sun Temple is pretty convenient because the Puri railway station is in a close distance. You will be able to travel easily by booking the Bhubaneshwar to Puri train and hire a cab to reach the Konark Sun Temple. General Tips
• You are suggested to carry sunglasses and sunscreen if you are traveling in summers.• Carry a light jacket if you are traveling in winter because Konark is usually not that cold.
• You’re not bound to help or donate to the beggars, take care of your own safety.
• Carry small denominations of Indian currency to spend and use it for other purposes.
• Follow the rules of visiting a shrine out of respect.
• Keep the nearest police station's contact details handy.
• Learn some Hindi words; it will help you communicate with the locals.
• Don’t forget to haggle when you visit the local market to buy souvenirs near the Sun Temple.
• Depends on the temples, if the footwear is not allowed, kindly open them outside. So be prepared to walk barefoot when you visit Sun Temple, Konark. You may find a show stand in the temple if the footwear isn’t allowed.
• Keep your cash safely and avoid using your credit cards for a small purchase at local places.
Health Tips
• Take care of your drinking water, half of the time tourists fall sick because of drinking water issues, so try and stick to bottled water and avoid tap water.• Avoid eating at food joints outside as they might not be hygienic.
• You are suggested to avoid eating fruits and salads that are left in open for a long time.
• Get the required vaccination before visiting India to stay away from any water-borne diseases.
The Sun Temple was a result of the great fight between Tughan Khan and Narasimhadeva. The Muslim invader was badly defeated by the king and thus the victory memorial called the Kirti Stambha was built as a mark of prestige. The journey to the Konark Sun temple has always been a memorable one as per the reviews of numerous tourists across the world. The locations and the spiritual vibe of the place set this temple aside from the rest. Don’t forget to carry your camera along with you to capture brilliant images of the Sun Temple.