The temples of Orissa exhibit a majestic grandeur. An Orissan temple (deul) usually consists of a sanctum, one or several front porches (jagamohana) usually with pyramidal roofs, a dancing hall (nata mandir) and a hall of offerings (bhog mandir).
The Temple
The Konark temple is widely known not only for its architectural grandeur but also for the intricacy and profusion of sculptural work. The entire temple has been conceived as a chariot of the sun god with 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, with a set of spokes and elaborate carvings. Seven horses drag the temple. Two lions guard the entrance, crushing elephants. A flight of steps lead to the main entrance.
The nata mandir in front of the Jagamohana is also intricately carved. Around the base of the temple, and up the walls and roof, are carvings in the erotic style. There are images of animals, foliage, men, warriors on horses and other interesting patterns. There are three images of the Sun God, positioned to catch the rays of the sun at dawn, noon and sunset.
This temple built in 1278 CE by the Ganga King Narasimha Deva is one of the grandest temples of India and was referred to as the Black Pagoda. The ruins of this temple were excavated in late 19th century. The tower over the Garbagriha is missing, however the Jagmohana is intact, and even in this state, it is awe inspiring.
It is said that the temple was not completed as conceived because the foundation was not strong enough to bear the weight of the heavy dome. Local beleif has it that it was constructed in entirety, however its magnetic dome caused ships to crash near the seashore, and that the dome was removed and destroyed and that the image of the Sun God was taken to Puri.
You can spend an entire day exploring the richness of the ancient art and architecture of the splendid temple. The history, special features and sculptures of the temple can be known in details by hiring a guide. For further insight into the Sun Temple the Archaeological Museum that contains many sculptures and carvings found during the temple excavations with prove to be helpful. The museum is open on all the weekdays except Friday.
Konark Dance Festival
While you are planning your holiday to the Golden triangle of the Eastern India(KONARK-BHUBANESWAR-PURI) check out the festival calendar of Konark. The city hosts a dance festival every year in the month of December namely, the Konark dance festival. The Konark dance festival is held in an open-air theatre, which is close to the Sun Temple. You can enjoy the festival with the performances by the eminent classical dancers of India. The dance festival is a virtual feast to the lovers of the classical art forms of dance and music attracts tourists from across the globe.
The various dance forms like Odissi, Bharatnatyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Chhow are performed at the same stage. The art and culture of India comes through during the festival. The festival is a classical extravaganza indeed.
Besides the Dance festival the city of Konark also hosts the Sun Festival (Magha Saptami). The festival derives its name fromn the fact that it is celebrated on the seventh day (saptami) of the bright half of the month of Magha (January/February). The celebrations commence with the auspicious bathing in the sea by the devottes before the sunrise. After the holy dip the pilgrims say their prayers and worship Lord Surya at the temple.
Places to visit near Konark
Chandrabhaga : This place is only 2kms away from korark temple. It is famous for its cool and beautiful beach. You can have a walk over there and watch the fishermen in work.
Kuruma : This place approachable by jeeps is just 8-kms from Konark. Recent excavations have brought this small village into the limelight with the discovery of antique images of Buddha seated in ’’Bhumispara Mudra’’ along with the image of ’’Heruka’’.
Chaurasi : Here one may visit the shrines of ’Laxminarayanan’, ’Amareshras’ and ’Barahi’. Barahi is a deity dating back to the 9th Century AD and is worshipped according to tantric practices. She is a mother goddess with the face of a boar and is holding a fish in one hand and a cup in the other.
Ramachandi : 7-kms from Konark, it is accessible by road (Marine drive). Ramachandi is situated at the confluence of the River Kusabhadra and the Bay of Bengal. It is a beautiful spot and Goddess Ramachandi, the deity of Konark, is worshipped here.
Astranga : Washed by the clear blue waters of the Bay of Bengal it really lives upto its name. ’Astranga’ literally means varied colours. 55-kms from Konark, the sunset is a spectacular scene. It is a famous fishing harbour.
Kakatapur : Kakatapur lies 45-kms from Konark. Well connected by regular bus services from Puri Bhubaneshwar and Cuttack. It is situated in the Prachi valley and is known for the shrines of Goddess ’Mangala’ and ’Banadurga’. Legend has it that direction for locating the holy log from which is created the icon of Lord Jagannatha comes from her. The much-famed ’Jhamu Yatra’ is celebrated in April - May where the devotees walk over a narrow trench strewn with lighted embers. It is a major festival here.
Pipli : 40km away from konark; Pipli is a centre for applique work.
Hotel facility
Turists prefer to stay in bhubaneswar or puri; since both these cities have a lot of very good hotels; few of them are star hotels. you have to book your rooms by telephones also. Since Bhubaneswar, Konark and Puri are known as ’’Golden Triangle’’ since all of these are very good turist places with so many things to see and since all of these cities are very close to each other. Each city is hardly 40/60 km away from each other. The price of the hotels vary. But you can find affordable hotels; so no problem in that regards.
Few good hotels in bhubaneswar and puri are:
Oberoi (Bhubaneswar)
Hotel Swosti (Bhubaneswar)
Hotel Kalinga (Bhubaneswar)
Jajati Hotel (Bhubaneswar)
Anarkali Hotel (Bhubaneswar)
Pantha Niwas Hotel (Bhubaneswar)
Natraj Hotel (Bhubaneswar)
Hotel Safari International (Bhubaneswar)
Kenilworth Hotel (Bhubaneswar)
Kalinga Ashok Hotel (Bhubaneswar)
Sishmo Hotel (Bhubaneswar)
Hote Sea Point (Puri)
Aalishan Hotel (Puri)
Hotel Holiday Resort (Puri)
Hotel Nilachal Ashok (Puri)
Conclusion
Bhubaneswar is well connected with other parts India with rail and air. And the Golden triangle of the Eastern India are well connected with each other by road. I think the OTDC(Orissa Turism Development Corporation) has taken enough care to make sure that the turists who go there should enjoy the maximum without any problem. Thanks a lot OTDC.
#Note
This is directly from the web sites:
https://templenet.com/Orissa/konark.html.
https://indiagoldentriangle.com/india/konark.html
and few more...