This has to be one of the most unique temples around the world. Simply because of the startling scale on which it has been planned and executed and the sheer engineering brilliance.
The uniqueness of the temple lies in the fact that between every two stone pieces(used to construct the temple), there lies an Iron plate (this can be clearly seen). The temples higher floors have been reinforced using massive Iron beams. This fantastic effort in human perseverance took 1200 workers 12 years to complete and even then, legend has it that the ’’MukhShela’’ (Peak) of the main temple had to be installed by the 12 year old son of the Chief Architect. The said peak being a 52 ton magnet. This magnet was the reason the entire edifice endured the harsh conditions (being on the sea front) for centuries without being worse for wear. These magnets were later removed by the Brits as they interfered with their ships compasses and this caused the grand structure to crumble.
’’Kon’’(Sun)’’Ark’’(Angle) literally means the Angle of the Sun. The three main structures begins with the Devdaasi Hall(Dancers of the God), then the middle entrance to the temple and the main temple. The main temple had a statue (Surya Dev or Sun God) suspended in mid air (because of the magnet), with a single large diamond in its forehead. The rays of the rising sun would pass through the Devadaasi Hall, the Middle Chamber and hit the diamond, creating the effect of the sun rising within the temple itself... Thus the name.
The entire three above mentioned structures have been shaped to resemble a speeding chariot with 12 horses and 24 wheels. Upon which rests a giant lotus and then the stupas. The middle chamber however has been filled in to prevent its collapse.
Orissa temples on the whole are famous for their external carvings and Konark is no exception. The temple has three distinct styles of carvings, the lowest row has carvings of toys for children, the middle rows have the famous erotic carvings of Konark and the top row has the carvings of ascetics (go figure)... :-))
Getting there is relatively easy. Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack being the closest big cities well connected by Air, Rail and Road. The road between Bhubaneshwar and Puri is like a dream, but the road from Puri to Konark leaves a lot to be desired. It is 35 km from Puri on the Marine Drive and 85 km via Pipli. There is a regular bus service from Puri (Rs 8, one hour). The buses and mini-buses are in bad shape and always packed but you can hire a jeep instead. There is a government guest house where one can stay, but the wisest choice would be to stay at Puri/Pipli and drive down to Konark. There is no dearth of cheap but clean restaurants where one can have their food.
I would advise you to hire a guide. It costs Rs. 60.00 for an hour (can be stretched) with a detailed tour of 5 temples. The temple charges Rs. 10.00 for an Indian and Rs. 250.00 for a foreigner as entry fee.
The best time to visit the temple would be from November to February. Try not to miss the December Dance Festival at Konark. This is held with the temple as the backdrop, in an open air theatre. Truly an awesome spectacle.
Well I hope this review helps someone to visualise and travel to the grandeur that I had the good fortune to witness.
Happy travelling..Cheerio