Konark temple is a 13th century architectural wonder & dedicated to the sun God Surya. It's also called as black pagoda and it explains the ample testament to the artistic glory of time. The whole temple is conceived as a decorated huge chariot mounted on 24 wheels and pulled by 7 mighty horses. Check the slides here to know more about this beautiful monument.

1. Konark- The Sun Temple

2. The sun temple of Konark was established in 13th
centuryAD
in the shape of gigantic chariot having stone wheels, pillars
and walls.

3. An Architectural Marvel of Eastern India that represents the
ancient rich cultural-heritage to the viewers.

4. The sun temple is also called as the “black
pagoda” and it explains the ample
testament to the artistic glory of the time.

5. The temple was dedicated to the sun God Surya and
the name derived from sanskrit words “kona”
(angle) and “Ark” (the sun).

6. The Sun temple is situated on the north eastern
corner of Puri and is also known as Arka Khetra.

7. The temple was designed as a gorgeously decorated
huge chariot mounted on 24 wheels and pulled by 7
mighty horses.

8. The temple follows the traditional style of
Kalinga architecture and it's oriented
towards the east so that the first ray of
sunrise strikes the principal entrance.

9. The temple is widely known for it's sophisticated
sculpture work and architectural greatness.

10. Konark is also a place where you can enjoy an exceptional
mixture of marvelous temple architecture, heritage, exotic
beach and salient natural beauty.

11. The temple's intricate carving shows images of animals,
foliage, warriors on horses etc..

12. The current sculpture of the temple is
actually the entrance of the main temple as
the main deity temple has fallen off by time.

13. Except the entrance some other structures are survived
to the current day are dance hall (natya mandira) and
dining hall (bhoga mandapa).

14. Though it's fallen off or ruined but still representing the
magnificent work of the people who imagined and
constructed it.

15. The temple also presents the “passage of time”as controlled by Sun
God. The seven horses, which pull the sun temple eastwards towards
the dawn, represent the days of the week and the 12 pairs of wheels
represent the 12 months of the year etc..

16. Facts of the temple's sculptures :-

17. There are 3 images of Sun God carved in the temple
to catch the rays of the Sun at dawn, noon and
sunset.

18. The Nava Graha temple represents the nine planets of solar
system.

19. The temple was initially built on the sea bank but as the sea
receded, the temple is now a little away from the sea.

20. Konark Beach :-
Konark beach is considered as the finest beach in india where you
will experience the calm sea breeze and walking alongside the sea
gives a memorable experience.

21. The beautiful view of sunrise and sunset, spotting
fishermen etc. also adds most pleasant experience to the
scene.