SUN TEMPLE
AT
KONARK
Sun Temple,
located in Konark, is probably the best known attraction that is there in Orissa.
The temple was build by King Narasimhadeo in the 13th century. Sun Temple is
also referred to as 'Black Pagoda' as it is build of black granite.
The temple
dedicated to Sun God was build as a chariot to him with wheels on all sides of
the temple. It is one of the earliest places where Sun God was worshiped.
On the shores of the Bay of Bengal, bathed in the
rays of the rising sun, the temple at Konarak is a monumental representation of
the sun god Surya’s chariot; its 24 wheels are decorated with symbolic designs
and it is led by a team of six horses.
Sun Temple is
considered a marvel among other temples and has been the inspiration for many
writers and poets. Numerous books and articles related to its history and
architecture have been written. Looking at the temple. Rabindranath Tagore,
once said, "Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man".
The Konark temple is widely known not only for its architectural
grandeur but also for the intricacy and profusion of sculptural work. 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.
A flight of steps lead to the main entrance.The nata mandir in front
of the Jagamohana is also intricately carved.
Around the base of the temple, and up the walls and roof, are carvings in the erotic style. There are images of animals, foliage, men, warriors on horses and other interesting patterns. There are three images of the Sun God, positioned to catch the rays of the sun at dawn, noon and sunset.
Around the base of the temple, and up the walls and roof, are carvings in the erotic style. There are images of animals, foliage, men, warriors on horses and other interesting patterns. There are three images of the Sun God, positioned to catch the rays of the sun at dawn, noon and sunset.
The
Sun Temple of Konark marks the highest point of achievement of Kalinga
architecture depicting the grace , the joy and the rhythm of life all it's amazing
variety.
The
Sun Temple built in the thirteenth century was conceived as a gigantic
chariot of Sun God, with twelve pairs of exquisitely ornamented wheels pulled
by seven pairs of horses.
Majestic
in conception, this Temple is indeed one of the most sublime monuments of
India, famous as much for its imposing dimensions and faultless proportions as
for the harmonious integration of architectural grandeur with plastic
allegiance.
It
is admittedly the best in Orissa. Its fine traceries and scroll work , the beautiful
and natural cut of animal and human figures, all give it a superiority over
other temples.
The
chief quality is its design and architectural details. The Sun temple belongs
to the Kalinga School of Indian Temples with characteristic curvilinear towers
mounted by Cupolas.
In
shape, the Temple did not make any major departure from other
sikhara temples of Orissa. The main sanctum which (229 ft. high) was
constructed alongwith the audience hall (128 ft. high) having elaborate
external projections.
The
main sanctum which enshrined the presiding deity has fallen off. The
Audience Hall survives in its entirely but of the other two viz the Dancing
Hall(nata Mandir) and the Dining Hall (Bhoga-Mandap), only small portions have
survived the vagaries of time. The Temple compound measures 857 ft. by 540 ft.
By Air
The closest domestic airport is at Bhubaneswar, 64 km
away. Bhubaneshwar is well-connected to major cities in India like Chennai,
Kolkata, Delhi and Hyderabad.
By Train
Puri is the nearest railway station, around 31 km away.
Puri is connected to all major cities in India. Pre-paid taxis are available
from Puri railway station to Konark.
By Bus
State-run buses connect Konark to other major cities in
Odisha and other states. Private bus services are available from Bhubaneshwar
and Puri to Konark.
0 comments:
Post a Comment