|
|
|
 
Sun
Temple, Konark |
|
|
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.
|
Wheel
of Sun Temple, Konark |
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.
|
|
