Konark Sun Temple:
The Konark Sun Temple is a Hindu sun temple from the 13th century CE located on the shore of Puri district, Odisha, India, approximately 35 kilometers northeast of Puri city. Around 1250 CE, the temple is credited to King Narasingha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. Combining the Sanskrit terms Koṇa (corner or angle) and Arka (the sun) results in the name Konark (Koṇarka).While the meaning of the term Kona is not entirely clear, it most likely alludes to the temple’s southeast location, either in relation to other sun temples on the subcontinent or within a larger temple complex. The Hindu sun god Surya is alluded to by the Arka.
Also Read Famous Temples in Odisha
The height of konark temple:
In the 13th century, the ancient Konark Sun Temple was constructed at a height of 229 feet (70 meters). However, the primary structure gradually fell as a result of invasions and natural disasters.
The surviving building, which includes the Jagamohana (audience hall), is currently 128 feet (39 meters) tall.
Konark Sun Temple History:
During the Eastern Ganga dynasty, which lasted from 1238 to 1264 CE, Narasimhadeva I is credited with building the present temple. The palm leaf documents, which were found in a village in the 1960s and later translated, are among the rare Hindu temples that still have design and building records written in Sanskrit in the Odia script. Shiva Samantaraya Mahapatra was in charge of the temple’s construction, and the monarch supported it. Near an ancient Surya temple, it was constructed. Re-consecrated, the sculpture in the sanctum of the previous temple was added to the bigger, modern structure. The Konark temple is known as the “great cottage” in numerous copper plate inscriptions from the time period that confirm this chronology of the temple site’s development.
In the 13th century, the temple was composed of two major buildings: the big temple and the dance mandapa, according to James Harle. When the large deul collapsed sometime in the late 16th century or later, the smaller mandapa is the only structure left standing. Harle claims that the original temple “must have stood to a height of some 225 feet (69 m)” but that just a portion of its walls and ornamental moldings are still there.
The temple is built in the Kalinga architectural tradition. It faces eastward, allowing the main entrance to be illuminated by the first rays of the morning. The temple was first erected at the Chandrabhaga River’s mouth using Khondalite rocks, but the waterline has since moved away. Sundials, the temple’s wheels, are capable of precise timekeeping down to the minute.
Architecture of Konark Temple:
In 1250 CE, under the rule of Narasingha Deva I, King of the Eastern Ganga, the Konark Sun Temple was constructed out of stone in the shape of a huge, ornate chariot that was devoted to the Sun god, Surya. Surya is shown in Hindu Vedic iconography as ascending from the east and swiftly moving across the sky in a chariot pulled by seven horses. Typically, he is portrayed as a radiant standing figure riding the chariot that the charioteer Aruna marshalls while clutching a lotus blossom in each hand.The seven horses—Gayatri, Brihati, Ushnih, Jagati, Trishtubh, Anushtubh, and Pankti—are called after the seven meters of Sanskrit prosody.
Usha and Pratyusha, two girls who symbolize the dawn deities, are usually pictured flanking Surya. As a sign of their initiative in opposing the darkness, the goddesses are depicted shooting arrows. The chariot’s twelve pairs of wheels represent the twelve months in the Hindu calendar, with each month being divided into two cycles (Shukla and Krishna). This makes the architecture also symbolic.
When seen from inland during dawn and sunrise, the chariot-shaped temple appears to emerge from the depths of the blue sea carrying the sun. The Konark temple showcases this iconography on a grand scale, with 24 intricately carved stone wheels that are nearly 12 feet in diameter and pulled by a set of seven horses.
Konark Sun Temple Timings:
Visitors can visit the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha every day from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM. The admission price is ₹600 for foreign visitors and ₹40 for Indian, BIMSTEC, and SAARC nationals. Entry is free for kids under the age of fifteen.
Additionally, there are two daily performances of the Light and Sound Show at the temple at 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for ₹50 per person, and each event can accommodate 200 people.
Konark Sun Temple Location:
Konark Sun Temple, Konark, Puri – 752111
Konark Dance Festival:
An annual celebration of India’s rich classical dance tradition, the Konark Dance Festival takes place in Konark, Odisha, against the stunning background of the Sun Temple.But in 2025, there’s another festival called the Konark Dance & Music Festival, which takes place from February 19th to 23rd. With renowned performers showcasing a variety of classical dance styles, including Odissi, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Kathak, and Mohiniattam, in addition to folk and tribal dances, this festival, which was started in 1986 by Padmashree Guru Gangadhar Pradhan, has developed its own distinct identity.
The performances are held at the Konark Natya Mandap, an outdoor auditorium with a natural atmosphere that is complemented by the cashew and casuarina trees that surround it. By bringing together performers from all throughout the nation, the festival hopes to foster cultural harmony and fraternity.
For the most recent details on timetables, ticket sales, and lodging choices, attendees are advised to visit the festival’s official website or get in touch with the organizers.
The Konark Sun Temple’s Light and Sound Show gives guests a close-up look at the temple’s illustrious past and magnificent architecture. Hindi, English, and Odia are among the languages in which the show is delivered. Wireless headphones are included for a better audio experience.
How to reach Konark Sun Temple:
By Air:
Biju Patnaik International Airport (BBI) in Bhubaneswar, which is roughly 65 kilometers from Konark, is the closest airport.
You can take a bus, taxi, or taxi rental from the airport to Konark.
By train:
Puri Railway Station (PURI), which is roughly 35 kilometers distant, is the nearest train station.
About 65 kilometers away, Bhubaneswar Railway Station (BBS) is another important station.
You can go to Konark by bus, taxi, or auto rickshaw from either station.
By Bus:
Private and regular buses operated by the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC) travel to Konark from Puri (35 km), Bhubaneswar (65 km), and Cuttack (80 km).
For a more pleasant ride, you can alternatively rent a private vehicle or take a taxi.
What are the things to do in Konark?
Known for its Sun Temple, Konark provides a variety of coastal, cultural, and historical activities. The following are the best activities in Konark:
- Visit the UNESCO-designated Konark Sun Temple.
Admire the chariot-shaped construction and the elaborate stone decorations.
It’s best to go in the morning or evening when it’s cooler.
- Take in the Konark Sun Temple’s Light & Sound Show
Discover the history of the temple through an audiovisual extravaganza.
6:30 and 7:30 p.m. are the show times.
- Go to Chandrabhaga Beach, which is three kilometers from Sun Temple.
renowned for its sunsets and sunrises.
revered and holds a festival of holy dip.
- Rest at Ramachandi Beach, which is 7 kilometers from Konark.
A remote beach that’s ideal for photography and picnics.
well-known for water sports including surfing and jet skiing.
- Visit the Archaeological Museum (ASI Museum), which is located close to Sun Temple.
contains the temple’s original sculptures and relics.
- Go to the Kuruma Buddhist Site, which is 8 kilometers from Konark.
Buddha and Bodhisattva statues can be seen among the ruins of an old Buddhist monastery.
- Take in the December and February Konark Dance Festival.
See Kathak, Bharatanatyam, Odissi, and other performances.
- Visit the Balukhand Wildlife Sanctuary (between Puri and Konark) via boat.
See birds, deer, and casuarina forests close to the shore.
- Go to the Sun Temple Replica at Natya Mandap, which is close to the Sun Temple.
A miniature version of the big temple, but no less exquisite.
- Explore regional cuisine
Eat fish, sweets like Chhena Poda, and the fermented rice dish Pakhala Bhata.
konark sun temple to puri distance – 55 min (35.9 km) via Puri-Konark Marine Dr and NH316
konark temple to bhubaneswar distance – 1 hr 46 min (66.6 km) via NH316
konark temple to jagannath temple distance – 26 hr (1,466.1 km) via Chennai – Kolkata Hwy
Konark Sun Temple Photos:
