Konark Sun Temple

Konark in texts

By the early centuries of the common era, Konark, also known in Indian scriptures as Kainapara, was an important trading port. Although evidence suggests that a sun temple was established in the Konark location as early as the 9th century, the current Konark temple dates from the 13th century. Surya worship places in Mundira, which may have been an ancient name for Konark, Kalapriya (Mathura), and Multan, are mentioned in several Puranas (now in Pakistan).

Founder of the temple

Konark Sun Temple (Konark Surya Mandir) is a 13th-century CE (year 1250) Sun temple in Konark, Odisha, India, about 35 kilometres (22 miles) northeast of Puri. The temple was built in 1250 CE by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty.

Architecture

The Sun Temple, constructed in the thirteenth century, was designed as a massive Sun God chariot, with twelve pairs of finely decorated wheels being carried by seven pairs of horses. This Temple is truly one of India's most stunning buildings, known as much for its towering size and perfect proportions as for the seamless fusion of architectural majesty with plastic allegiance. It is without a doubt Orissa's best. Its excellent traceries and scroll work, as well as the lovely and natural cut of animal and human figures, differentiate it from other temples. Its design and architectural details are its most distinguishing features. The Sun Temple is representative of the Kalinga School of Indian Temples, which are distinguished by its curvilinear towers with cupolas. The Temple does not deviate significantly from other Orissa sikhara temples in terms of design. The main sanctuary, which stands at 229 feet tall, was built alongside the audience hall, which stands at 128 feet tall and features complex external projections. The main sanctuary, where the presiding god was ensconced, has collapsed. The Audience Hall has been preserved in its entirety, but only minor pieces of the Dancing Hall (nata Mandir) and the Dining Hall (Bhoga-Mandap) have survived the ravages of time. The Temple grounds are 857 feet long and 540 feet wide.  The Sun Temple is situated in an east-west direction. The Temple is surrounded by natural beauty, with casuarina plantations and various types of plants that thrive on sandy soil. The environment is largely unharmed. The Sun Temple's gentle undulating slope adds some variety to the environment.

Other temples and monuments

Many secondary shrines and monuments surround the main temple at the Konark Sun Temple complex. Here are a few examples:

Mayadevi Temple: It is located west of the main temple, it dates from the late 11th century, rendering it older than the main temple. It consists of a sanctuary, a mandapa, and an open platform in front of it. Excavations were carried out between 1900 and 1910, and it was discovered. According to early interpretations, it was dedicated to Surya's wife and so titled Mayadevi Temple. Later research revealed that it was actually a Surya temple, albeit an older one that had been incorporated into the complex when the enormous temple was constructed. A square mandapa is formations by a sapta-ratha in this temple, which also contains various carvings. A Nataraja may be found in the sanctum of this Surya shrine. A damaged Surya clutching a lotus, as well as Agni, Varuna, Vishnu, and Vayu, are among the other deities in the interior.

Vaishnava Temple:

It was discovered during excavations in 1956 in the southwest corner of the so-called Mayadevi Temple. This find was remarkable because it proved that the Konark Sun Temple complex honoured all main Hindu traditions, rather than being solely dedicated to the saura cult, as had previously been assumed. The sanctum of this modest Vaishnavite temple contains statues of Balarama, Varaha, and Vamana–Trivikrama, indicating that it is a Vaishnavite temple. These women are wearing dhotis and a lot of jewellery in these photos. The main idol in the sanctum is missing, as are images from some of the temple's niches. Vaishnava scriptures attest to the site's prominence as a Vaishnava pilgrimage site. Chaitanya, a scholar and founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism at the beginning of the 16th century, visited the temple of Konark and worshipped at his place.

Kitchen:

The bhoga mandapa is located to the south of this monument (feeding hall). In the 1950s, it was also discovered during excavations. It features water supplies, cisterns for storing water, drainage, a cooking floor, perhaps depressions for pounding spices or grains, as well as various triple cooking stoves (chulahs). This structure could have served as a part of a communal feeding hall or for special occasions. The kitchen complex, according to Thomas Donaldson, may have been developed after the original temple.

Well 1: This monument was apparently built to supply water to the community kitchen and bhoga mandapa, which is located north of the kitchen on its eastern slope. A pillared mandapa and five buildings, some with semi-circular stairs whose function is unknown, are located near the well.

Well 2 : This monument and its associated structures are located in front of the main temple's northern stairwell, which includes footrests, a washing platform, and a wash water drainage system. It was most likely built for pilgrims on their way to the temple.

 Naata Mandir

On a separate basement, the Naata Mandir (locally known as Bhoga Mandap) is located in front of the porch. Between the eastern flight of the porch and the Naata Mandir, there is a 30-foot (9.144-meter) gap. The Pitha, or basement, of the Naata Mandir is nearly the same height as the Pitha of the Sun temple. Bhoga Mandap, or the Hall of Offering, is how the locals referred to it.

However, given its building style and architectural execution, it is more appropriately referred to as the Hall of Dance or Naata Mandir. The ceiling of this Naata Mandir has collapsed in. Only the remnants of its walls remain.

Deity

Nearby Temples

Nearby Tourist Places

Ramachandi Temple & Beach

Konark Museum / Archaeological Museum

Konark Sea Beach / Chandrabhaga Beach