The Sun Temple in Konarak is one of the oldest attractions in the Indian state of Orissa, which is located in the eastern part of the country. The religious building is known for its erotic bas-reliefs and complicated history.
General information
Surya in Konarak – a sanctuary where worshippers came to pray, and where priestesses performed ritual dances. It is a 13th-century monument built near the Bay of Bengal. It is located in the central part of the city of Konarak in the state of Orissa.
The attraction is known in history under a different name – “Black Pagoda”. Historians believe that this name was given to the monument by English sailors, for whom the Surya temple served as a kind of lighthouse – thanks to its dark stones, it could be seen from afar in any weather.
Brief history
Surya Temple was built in the 13th century by Raja Narasimhadeva I on the shore of the Bay of Bengal in India. However, for 7 centuries, the sea receded, and ” hid” the attraction in the center of Konaraki.
According to legend, the place of construction of the temple was not chosen by chance. The Temple of the Sun was built where Heaven and Earth meet, which means that the doors to other worlds are open. Interestingly, scientists partly agree with the believers – this is really a very unusual area where compasses and other modern devices stop working.
The heyday of the Sanctuary of the Sun (Surya) occurred at the end of the 13th century, and in the 16th century the historical monument was destroyed. Why this happened is still unknown – the chronicles describe these events very vaguely, and historians suggest that either Christians from Europe or Muslims came to these lands. The version of natural disasters is also considered.
Despite the fact that the builders of that time could not rebuild the Surya temple, pilgrims still regularly came there. Especially there were a lot of them at the end of January – at this time in India they celebrate Paramasura Day.
The revival of the temple took place in the 18th century, when the brahmana Baba Brahmachari made a pilgrimage to the sanctuary. He found it in a terrible state: crumbling walls, broken sculptures and a huge rainforest that completely swallowed the monument.
In 1984, this landmark of India was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Temple architecture
The Surya (Sun) Temple in Konarak consists of three parts:
- The dance pavilion. This is part of the temple where priestesses performed ritual dances. Modern scholars say that these were not simple dances, but specially selected movements that meant Sanskrit symbols. This was done so that only truly religious people could understand what the dancer was “talking” about.
- Jagamonaha-a hall for worshippers. People who worshiped the Sun god have come here for centuries. There are also famous figures of copulating people. Scientists also suggest that previously there were soft poufs for believers.
- Deula is a sanctuary. Unfortunately, this is the only part of the temple that has not survived to our time.
The building reaches a height of 75 meters, and the weight of the slab that covers the temple is 2000 tons. Before entering the attraction, you can see 7 stone horses with chariots, and on the facade of the Surya temple – several suns.
As for the interior decoration of the temple, almost all the walls can be seen images associated with the sun, love and procreation. Sculptures have the same subtext.
Practical information
How to get
Since Konarak is located on the east coast of India, you can hardly meet random tourists here – everyone goes here purposefully. Usually from the following cities:
- From Puri (33 km)
Buses to Konarak from Puri depart from the city’s main bus station (Gundicha Ghar) as they fill up. The price is 10 rupees.
- From Bhubaneswar (64 km)
Buses from Bhubaneswar to Konarak run every hour, but it is more convenient to take a minibus-only 1.5 km on the way, and the cost will be 20 rupees.
- From Jagarsinghpur (130 km)
Unfortunately, you will not be able to get directly from Jagarsinghpera to Konarak – you will have to go through Bhubaneswar. In this regard, it is most convenient to get to Bhubaneswar by bus (10 rupees), and then change to a shuttle bus (20 rupees).
- From Kordhae (76 km)
Buses and minibuses run from Kordhae to Konaraki every hour. Landing – at the main bus station of the city. Travel time is 1.5 hours. The price is Rs 18.
- Location: 19°53 ‘15.5″ N 86°05’40.7″ E.
- Opening hours: 6.00-20.00.
- Admission fee: Rs 500.
- Official website: www.konark.nic.in
Useful tips
- Every year at the end of January, thousands of pilgrims come to the Sun Temple in Konarak, India to celebrate the Paramasura festival. It is believed that on this day you can meet Surya himself – the Sun God. This celebration is very similar to our New Year or Christmas. In the same month, an Indian dance festival is held in India.
- Believers claim that after visiting the Temple of the Sun in India, a person’s life will not be the same, because a piece of Surya remains in everyone’s soul.
- Scientists say that the location of the temple in an abnormal place contributes to the fact that a person (especially a pilgrim) ceases to need food and sleep, and sexual desire increases greatly. At the same time, it is emphasized that it is better for people with a weak psyche not to visit the temple at all.
- Tourists recommend visiting the Surya Temple in Konarak only with a guide. You can hire a guide right at the entrance to the attraction.
- Travelers say that it is best to visit the Surya temple in the evening, when the last rays of the sun illuminate the ancient walls.
The Sun Temple in Konarak is a great place to recharge your batteries and get a closer look at the culture of India.
