Magnificent, imposing, intricate, aesthetic, striking…. I fall short of adjectives to describe the beauty of the Sun temple at Konark, situated in the eastern state of Odissa, India. I had visited this medieval monument some time back and was spellbound by its architectural marvel. No wonder it has been declared a world heritage site by the UNESCO.
The name Konark is an amalgamation of two words, Kona- corner and Arka- Sun, dedicated to the Sun god. It was constructed in the 13th century in a span of mere 12 years.
It is said that, “The language of the stone defeats the language of man here”. 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 and beneath them is a man. The lions represent pride, the elephants represent wealth and both of them consume man.
The base of the temple has many erotic carvings. There are sculptures of animals, dancers, musicians, warriors on horses and other mythical creatures. The three images of the Sun God are positioned to catch the rays of the sun at dawn, noon and sunset.
Today, unfortunately a huge part of it is in ruins. The government is undertaking some restoration work. In spite of this, the grandeur of the temple is worth witnessing. The stones come to life narrating their saga. It reflects the mastermind of the architects and sculptors who envisaged it centuries ago. Sharing some of the pictures from my visit.
radhikasreflection 
Beautifully described Radhika. With the pictures, it’s like visiting the temple myself 👌
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Thanks Deepika 🙂
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Magnificent and how well you elaborated
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Many thanks Tanvir ☺️
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Amazing description loved it!
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Thank you Shaunak!
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very glad they are restoring it 🙂
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Yes Kate. It deserves to be preserved for people to have a glimpse of this glorious architecture!
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exactly the old school grandeur!
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Loved it.
I consider myself lucky to witness the beauty in live.
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That’s wonderful Vikram. Nothing to beat the experience of actually witnessing it’s imposing glory. Pictures hardly do justice to it’s majestic beauty.
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Beautiful 🙂
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Thank you Soiba!
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I missed reading your posts, Radhika. Your illustration is perfect, so are your photos ☺
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Thank you Andrei. Your message found its way into my spam folder. Hence the delay in replying.
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Glad you retrieved it, Radhika 😊 See you around.
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Magnificent piece of art!
Handmade sculptures are so fine & perfect. Thanks for sharing this.
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My pleasure 😊
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Beautiful pics Radhika
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Thank you Daneel.
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Welcome Radhika
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Great description and pics Radhika. Planning for a trip to Bhubaneswar. This place is a must visit.
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Definitely a must visit place Malini 👍
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Fabulous! Thanks for this!
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My pleasure Kunal!
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The sun temple is truly spectacular. I went there when I was a kid. But I still remain those hard details carved on the walls. Just extraordinary.
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Amazing temple ! Wish to visit there sometime soon !!
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Do plan a trip. It’s truly magnificent Megala!
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Most beautiful. Thank you for posting.
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Glad you liked it. Thanks!
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The architecture of this temple is amazing…our heritage is truly awesome! Nice pictures Radhika. Thanks for sharing.
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Yes Balroop. But I only wish more care was taken to protect these heritage marvels all across the country.
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The grandeur of the Konark temple is befitting to the status of the “Sun”, the Life Sustainer for Earth. Even in Indian Astrology, the Sun is considered the King of All Planets.
For the benefit of the readers of your blog, I am also sharing a link on the benefits of a practice called Sun Gazing by Shri Hira Ratan Manek (HRM)
https://worldofwellness.me/2017/12/15/time-for-solarized-humans/
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Thanks for sharing the link karthik. It sure needs to reach out to more people.👍
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Beautiful captures Radhika.
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Thank you Rupali!
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Very well described the beauty and importance of the place
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Many thanks Meenakshi!
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What a beautiful article Radhika! The architecture is simply magnificent and you’ve captured it’s essence so well 🙂 Enjoyed reading about the significance…Thank you for this virtual tour!
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Happy to have taken you on a virtual tour Divya. Thanks a bunch 🙂
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Great description, I think the renovation work is going on from years. Three years back I have also witnessed the temple in same state. Some how I feel, it reduces the excitement, yet renovation is necessary too. Wonderful clicks as well.
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While it dilutes the beauty of the monument, renovation is absolutely necessary to save it from a possible ruin. But then they need to expedite the process. Appreciate your thoughts here. Thanks Abhay!
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Not denying that monument needs renovation, but at many sites maintained by ASI, it seems perennial process. One of my French friend also complained the same thing. He said since last three years, he is visiting the Majestic Taj Mahal, every time it’s one or two minaret is covered by construction tools and materials. He was not able to click a complete or pristine view of Taj 🙂
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That’s really sad. Like I said the process needs to be expedited, specially when it is a famous tourist destination. It definitely eats into it’s spectacular glory!
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The pictures are simply awe-some, Radhika. Thank you for sharing both the picture and the history. The wisdom in the architecture with pride and material wealth consuming man was simply amazing – albeit the bitter truth.
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Yes, very true Pranitha. Many thanks!
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Beautiful pictures Madam and an equally well penned article.
There are so many lesser known historical places in India which can give the cliched places like Taj Mahal a run for it’s money. So glad to have read your article about the Konark Sun Temple. I visited this place long back, in 2003.
Thank you Madam for sharing.. 🙂
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Thanks a lot Abhir. Yes there are many undiscovered and lesser known treasured places and monuments in India which are very under rated. Glad that liked this piece.
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You are welcome Madam.. 😊
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Very well described with some lovely pictures of sun temple. The sun temple Konark is an awesome place that I wish to visit again & again.
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Thank you so much. Yes, it is an architectural marvel!
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