One of the world’s greatest marvels and a priceless gem of Orissan art, the Sun Temple at Konark of Konark (the local name), has drawn a veil of mystery around itself. Built in honor of Surya, the Sun god, in the image of the chariot of the Sun with 7 horses (for the 7 days of the week) and 12 pairs of wheels (for the 12 months). What remains today is part of the original massive temple, in fact, only the entrance hall, which itself is 39 meters high, the Dancing Hall, and a ruined temple.

Even today the sun rising from the ocean shines on the three images of the Morning Sun, the Mid-day Sun and the Evening Sun at different parts of the day.Architecturally splendid, the Konark temple is also noted for its sculptures, many of which are erotic. Konark has a secluded beach nearby.

WHAT TO SEE:

SEE TEMPLE:
Standing alone on the sandy shores of the Bay of Bengal is the sun Temple, also Known as Black Pagoda. It is a splendid example of Orissa temple is visualized as a chariot. Altough only the entrance hall has remained intact, the ruins of the rest of the structure, with carvings and sculptures along the walls, is testimony to one of India’s grandest temples. Scenes of love, war, court, hunting, elephant-catching, gurus teaching, child birth, dancers, courteous and mythical figures have been carved dexterously on the walls.

AROUND KONARK:
Ten km along the beach on the bank of the river Hurshabhadra is Ramchandi temple, dedicated to a fierce form of Goddess Kali. Kurma is the site of a Buddhist monastery.