Konark Sun Temple is a monument situated in Konark, Odisha, in the heart of ancient Indian architecture. Established by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the 13th century, this temple is dedicated to the worship of Surya, the Sun God characterized by its stone carvings and grand architectural magnificence has done t o the temple .The temple was built in the form of a massive chariot with twelve pairs of wheels ornamented as a bride in the era of 13th centuary. The twelve great wheels symbolize the passage of time. The main sanctum, which remains till date in ruins, was originally planned for a gigantic statue of the Sun God.
Konark Sun Temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many visitors from various parts of the world come to see this place, appreciating the historical and artistic values it brings with it. The Sun Temple is much in demand for its beautiful sculptures that have different kinds of deities, dancers, and other mythical creatures.
One must note that the temple has visitors’ timings from 6:00 AM in the morning till 8:00 PM. The best seasons to visit would be during the period October to March with a pleasant climate. The entrance fees would be around INR 40 for Indian visitors and INR 600 for international tourists. The Konark Sun Temple is a tremendous testimony of how magnificently the ancient Indians loved to build and is a must-visit destination for all the avid history enthusiasts as well as art enthusiasts.
Overview of the temple
| Attribute | Details |
| Famous for | Hindu Temple, Heritage, Architecture |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | Yes |
| Maintained and Governed by | Archaeological Survey of India |
| Also known as | Black Pagoda, Arka Khetra, Padma Khetra |
| Dedicated to | Surya, The Sun God |
| Entry | Open to everyone regardless of caste, creed, and religion |
| Photography | Allowed; free photography |
| Built in | 1250 AD |
| Built by | King Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga dynasty |
| Chief Architect | Bishu Maharana |
| In charge of construction | Sibei Samantaraya Mahapatra |
| Architectural Style | Odisha style of architecture or Kalinga architecture |
| Materials used | Chlorite, Laterite, and Khondalite rocks |
| Site Area | 26.2 acres |
| Located at | Eastern Coast of Odisha, India |
| District/State/Country | Puri/Odisha/India |
| Geo Coordinates | 19.90°N 86.12°E |
| Distance from Bhubaneswar | 65 KMs |
| Distance from Puri | 35 KMs |
| Nearest Airport | Bhubaneswar (65 KMs) |
| Best Time to Visit | October – February |
| Local Language | Odia |
| Other Languages | Hindi, Bengali, English |
| Time Zone | IST (UTC +05:30) |
Things to See in Konark Temple Complex
- Remnant of Main Temple Building
See the remnant of the main temple tower and the seat of the deity, called Simhasana. - Jagamohana
It is the Assembly Hall or Audience Hall. Geometrical motifs abound all over it. - Carvings of Wheels and Spokes
The large wheels and their spokes, also used as sun dials, are nicely carved. - Architectural Figures
War horses, war elephants, guarding lions (Gaja-Simha), and the seven horses pulling the chariot are some of the architectural figures that have been carefully carved here. - Nata Mandapa
This is the Dancing Hall, with 16 pillars, all richly carved with images of dancers and musicians. - Kitchen Remains
The Bhoga Mandapa shows parts of the ancient kitchen. - Chhayadevi Temple Remains
These ruins are believed to be from an earlier Sun temple. - Vaishnava Temple Remains
The remains here include figures of Hindu deities like Varaha, Balarama, and Vamana-Trivikrama. - Sun God Images
Three images of the Sun God are placed to catch sunlight at morning, noon, and evening. - Different Images
Various images of gods, dancers, musicians, elephants, etc. can be found along the temple walls. - Exotic Sculptures
Some sculptures depict figures in the clothes of other cultures. - Erotic Sculptures
Famous erotic sculptures can be viewed on the second floor of the temple. - Sun Temple Museum
It housed such a good collection of sculptures from the temple ruins that was managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. - Nava Graha Temple
This one has carvings of the nine planets.
The artistry and finesse behind these attractions give a glimpse into the grandeur of the temple.
FAQs about Konark Sun Temple
What is the Konark Sun Temple?
The Konark Sun Temple is an internationally renowned ancient temple in Konark, Odisha, India. It was constructed during the 13th century and is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. The temple resembles a giant chariot with twelve pairs of wheels.
Who built the Konark Sun Temple?
The temple was built by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty in the 13th century.
What does the temple look like?
The temple forms a huge chariot with twelve pairs of elaborately carved wheels. The chief sanctum was meant to enshrine the gigantic statue of the Sun God, and only remains now, after collapse .
Is Konark Sun Temple a World Heritage Site?
Yes, the Sun Temple of Konark is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sites the place for its historical and artistic importance.
What does one see in the temple?
In the temple, visitors can see intricate carvings of gods and goddesses, dancers, and mythical creatures. The architecture of this temple is renowned for its beauty and intricateness.
When is the temple open?
The temple is open every day at 6:00 AM till 8:00 PM of any day.
What is the best time to visit the Konark Sun Temple?
The best time to visit this temple is between October and March as the climatic conditions are pleasant at that time of the year.
Is there an Entrance Fee?
Approximately INR 40 for Indians and INR 600 for international visitors.
How to reach Konark Sun Temple?
The temple is accessible by road from the major cities of Odisha. Bhubaneswar airports are the nearest ones, and the nearest railway station is Konark.Is visitor access restricted?
Visitors are expected to wear modest dressing and observe all the instructions given by the temple authorities. In some places, photography is not allowed.