Konark Sun Temple: Signature edifice of Odisha
The name Konark is derived from the words 'Kona' meaning 'corners' and 'Arka' which means the 'sun'. The Sun Temple in Konark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site originally built by King Narasamhadev of Eastern Ganga Dynasty. Symbolising the majestic stride of the Sun God, the temple was spotted by the European sailors who christened it as the 'Black Pagoda'. It is a grand temple shaped in the form of the sun chariot, drawn by seven horses marking the seven days of the week. The 24 huge wheels intricately carved and decorated represent the hours of the day.
Exampling the typical Odishan architecture, it is one of the seven wonders in India. The legend has it that once Samba, the son of Sri Krishna ridiculed a holy man. The sage decided to take revenge by luring Samba to the pool where Krishnas' consorts were bathing. Krishna was enraged to see this and put the curse of leprosy on Samba. Later when Samba was found innocent he was prescribed to go for 12 years penance to Maitreyi forest. Seeing his devotion, the Sun God was pleased and cured him of his leprosy. Samba built this temple as a gesture of thanksgiving to Sun God. The temple is also famous for its erotic sculptures of Maithunas, a Sanskrit word used in Tantra often translated as sexual union in ritual context. Great Poet Rabindranath Tagore had once wrote of Konark: “here the language of stones surpasses the language of man.” Tourist must explore the beauty of Konark Temple in Odisha to realise the value and significance of time and architecture.
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