 The third link in the Orissan Golden Triangle, Konark, 35 km from Puri, is the site of one of the most spectacular examples of religious architecture in the world. The glorious ruins of the Konark Temple, dedicated to God Surya, has become so renowned, even internationally, that it is now protected under UNESCO's World Heritage Site Project. The Sun Temple, conceived as a massive chariot, hauling the Sun God across the heavens by the mighty of seven splendidly carved horses, standing aloft on 24 chariot wheels - intricately carved - symbolizing the march of time, lies in partial ruin on Konark Beach. The temple is said to have fallen into disuse after its desecration by the Muslims and time has brought this immense structure to its present condition. Adjacent to the main temple lies the Nata mandira or the dance hall, intricately carved with musicians and dancers in various poses from the original temple dances. Today the amphitheater with the Sun Temple at the backdrop is the venue for one of the most exciting dance festivals. The ancient stones ring with the sound of ankle bells and the beat of the mridangam and mardala as the exponents of classical dance take the stage during the Konark Dance Festival in winter. The Sun Temple Museum run by the Archaeological Survey of India has an excellent collection of sculptures from the temple ruins. Konark beach offers beautiful sunset. Quieter than Puri beach, its waters tend to be trickier- -even strong; swimmers need to be wary. The immense backdrop of the Sun Temple looks breathtaking when illuminated in the evening.
Places to visit
Kuruma
8 kms from the world famous Sun Temple at Konark, Kuruma is a small village. Recent excavations here have brought to light the reminiscence of some ancient antiquities like the image of Buddha seated in Bhumisparsa Mudra along with the image of Heruka, and a 17 mtrs long brick wall (Brick size: 22 cm X 17 cm). Scholars are of opinion that this was one of the sites containing Buddhist stupas described by Hiuen T'sang. The place is approachable by jeep.
Chaurasi
14 kms from Kakatpur on the way to Konark, one can visit the shrine of Amareswar, Laxminarayan, and Barahi at Chaurasi. Barahi is the Mother Goddess with the face of a boar. Potbellied, she holds a fish in one hand and a cup in the other. The deity belongs to 9th century A.D. and is worshipped according to tantric practices.
Ramachandi
On the confluence of the river Kusabhadra and the Bay of Bengal,Ramachandni, the presiding deity of the Konark region is worshipped here with reverence. The place is 7 kms from Konark connected by an all-weather good motorable road (Marine Drive).
Astranga
Right on the sea-shore, it is 91 kms from Puri and 10 kms from Kakatpur. Astranga presents a panoramic view especially during sunset on a multicolored horizon as if to justify the literal meaning of its name. It is a centre of salt production and fishing.
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