The Sun Temple of Konark is the finest example of Kalinga architecture. This is one masterpiece combining all the varieties of this type of architecture. Each inch of the temple and its subsidiary shrines is decorated with fantastic designs and carvings. The main shrine has been damaged and broken down long ago by the army of a Mughal General. The remaining shrines act no less in proving the expertise and dedication of the Odhiya artists and craftsmen in uplifting the standard of Indian culture along with showcasing some amazing architectural techniques.

This temple dedicated to the Sun God stands majestically on the banks of the Bay of Bengal and narrates numerous stories of its grandeur and mysteries of the past. The temple was constructed by King Narasimha Deva I of the Ganga Dynasty. The temple was built in a design of the chariot of the Sun God with 24 wheels like 12 on each side and 7 horses. The 12 wheels are said to represent the months of the year and the 7 wheels in front for the week. There are three main parts of the temple that are the main temple of the deity, the Jagamohana Hall and the Nritya Mandapa. There is also a separate offering hall or Bhoga Mandapa and a Nata Mandapa built on a raised platform in the same line. The entrance of the temple has statues of elegant Gajasimhas (lions over elephants) where the guards are meant to sit.

The main part of the temple is the hall of dance. The roof of this hall has collapsed only the remaining are there. There are many statues and carvings of beautiful dancing girls with instruments. There are also carvings of elephants and lions. There are a number of doors in this hall which are constructed in such a way that the hall looks more like a temple. It seems these were constructed in a way to keep in mind the various zodiac positions of the sun and to let its rays pass through at different times of the day.

There are various tales that talk about the reason behind the building of this temple. Some say it is a symbol of rising spiritualism above materialism and there are many others who say it is victory of Hinduism over Buddhism. Apart from these there are many other tales that you will get to hear from the local guides there.

• Other contact no +91 6742432177.
• Photography is allowed here free of charge.

• For Indians: Rs 10 per person
• For foreigners: Rs 250 per person

• The nearest railway station is the Bhubaneshwar Junction.
• The nearest airport is the Biju Patnaik Airport.

• Kamat Restaurant
• Santoshi Restaurant
• Geetanjali Restaurant
• Sun Temple Restaurant
• Santi Restaurant
• Deluxe Restaurant
• Baba Sweet Shop

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