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Information about
Konark
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Konark is situated on the sea coast, about 64 kms. from Bhubaneswar and only 33 km. north of Puri. Konark is one of the most vivid architectural treasures of the Hindu India. Earlier, Konark was a port city. But now, it no longer stands as a landmark on the sea shore as now, the land has risen and sea has receded about 3 kms. away from the temple and the temple stands lonely amidst the sand. Konark is known for the famous Sun Temple. |
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Tourist Attractions in Konark |
The main tourist attraction in Konark is the Sun Temple. The other tourist attractions in Konark are the Chandrabhaga Beach and Archaeological Site Museum. |
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The Sun Temple
The Sun Temple is one of the most stunning symbols of religious architecture. The Sun Temple is the crowning glory of temple art of
Orissa. According to legend, the Samba was cursed by his father Lord Krishna and suffered from leprosy for 12 years. Later, he was cured by the Sun god and so he built a temple dedicated to him. This temple was built by Langula Narsimha Deva in the 13th century and referred as the Black pagoda by the European sailors. The entire temple is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot, carrying the Sun god, Surya and pulled
by seven |
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horses. The 24 giant wheels of the chariot symbolize the division of time. The temple is a brilliant chronicle in stone, and thousands of images including those of deities, the Surasundaris, heavenly damsels, and human musicians, lovers, dancers, and different scenes from courtly life adorn the temple. Birds, animals and various intricate geometrical decorative designs adorn the walls. The temple was conceived to be a true microcosm of the world. The erotic art covers a major part of the temple area. The 55m-high curvilinear tower was part of the 11th century Lingaraja Temple. This temple is now in ruins and the
porch and other structures in the temple complex are still magnificent that represents the culmination of the
Orissa art. In recent years, this temple has been renovated and the appearance of the temple complex is very different from that which was few years ago. |
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Chandrabhaga Beach
Chandrabhaga beach is one of sqrawling beach at
Konark. This beach is one of the finest beach in the world, situated at a short distance from the Sun Temple. This beach has its own lovely serenity with a long stretch of clean sands and cool blue sea with rolling waves, surrounded by casurina and palm trees.
Archaeological Site Museum
The Archaeological Site Museum is very small. This museum has a rare collection of important pieces of the loose sculptures from the ruins of the Sun temple complex. Exhibitions with lectures and film shows are also held here occasionally. |
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Festivals in Konark |
The Konark Dance Festival is the best known festival of Orissa. The Konark Dance Festival, one of India’s biggest classical dance events is held at the Konark Sun Temple. Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Kathak, Kuchipudi and the local Chhau dance are performed here. The week-long Magha Saptami Mela is another festival which is celebrated on the banks of the Chandrabhaga river. Millions of devotees gather here before dawn, transforming sunrise into a religious event. It is believed that a dip in the river on this day cures all illness and the spiritual benefit is compared to that off the holy Ganga. |
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How to get there |
By Air:
The nearest airport is located in Bhubaneshwar, about 65 kms from Konark.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station is located in Puri, about 35 kms from Konark.
By Road:
Konark is connected to Puri and Bhubaneshwar by good roads. |
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