The
Sun temple Konark is the crowning glory of the temple architecture,
which flourished in the 13th century Orissa. Tourists across
the world travel to this temple site in large number. Also
known as the 'Black Pagoda', the temple was built by Raja
Narsimhadeva of the Ganga dynasty, The temple is in the form
of a huge chariot, with 24 wheels. These wheels are pulled
by seven straining horses. The temple has a three-tiered pyramidal
roof topped off by a fine spire. The chariot of the Sun God
represents the seven days of the week, and the 24 hours of
the day, in its concept. The impressive sculptures of the
temple makes the temple a wonder in stone. No aspect of life
has been untouched in the paintings on the walls of the temple.
The erotic imagery is an indication of the sublimation of
human love manifested in countless forms. Added to this, there
are scenes from civic life, court and war executed with great
precision.
Konark temple is different from the temples of the Bhubaneswar-
Konark- Puri circuit in architecture. Declared a world heritage
site by the UNESCO, the place has also other important attractions.
Chief among them are the Museum Of Archaeological Survey,
Konark Beach and Kuruma.
