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Konarak :
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Renowned for its magnificent sun temple, which was constructed by Narasinha Deva of Ganga
dynasty of Orissa in mid 13th century, Konark is also a lovely beach resort. It is easily
approachable from BhubanesHwar-64 kms & Puri-32 kms by coaches and tourist cars.
Regular bus services including conducted sigthtseeing tours are available for Konark from
BhubanesHwar and Puri.
In Konark, the "Natya Mandir", the dance hall of the Sun Temple probably remains
as the last remnant of the glorious temples of Orissa an extant example of the
architectural excellence of the times. Built in the 13th Century, here a collossal image
of the chariot of the Sun, drawn by seven horses and 24 wheels symbolises the divisions of
time. The main tower of Konark stood as high as 227 feet, superceding both Lingaraja and
Jagannath Temples. The Jagmohana (Porch) structure and the tower are both situated atop
the stone platform supporting the 24 wheels. The Konark Sun Temple also houses a
Natamandira or dancing hall. Only two subsidiary temples out of the 22, that were also
situated inside the temple precincts, exist today. The VaishnadeviMayadevi Temple stand to
the West of the towers. The Sun temple of Narasimhadeva is a depiction in stone of the
life of those times – royal, social, religious and military. The intricate carvings
on the walls and wheels of the chariot are unprecedented in history. The fine sculptures
depicting Court life, hunting, scenes, celestial deities are epitomes of precision and
grace. Graceful sculptures from the world of the Kamasutra, epic of eroticism also adorn
the structures. The Sun Temple standing in solitary splendour is the relic of a great
past. The history lovers can regale themselves at the Archaeological Museum at the site of
the Konark Sun Temple. The majestic Sun Temple silhouetted against the setting sun remains
indelibly etched in the spectator’s memory.
Area: 2.5 sq.km.
Altitude: Sea level
Temperature (°C): Summer- Max. 43, Min. 32.2; Winter- 26.7, Min. 10.6.
Rainfall: 152.4 cms (July to September).
Clothings: Summer- Light tropical & cottons, Winter- light woollens.
Languages spoken: Oriya, Bengali, Hindi, English.
Best season: Throughout the year, but preferaby October to March.
STD Code: 067581
How to reach
Air : Nearest airport Bhubaneshwar (64 kms) is connected with Calcutta, Delhi, Hyderabad,
Madras and Nagpur by Indian Airlines flights.
Rail : Nearest railheads Puri (31 kms) and Bhubaneshwar (64 kms) are connected by rail with
all the major places in India.
Road : Konark is well-connected by regular bus-services with Puri, Bhubaneshwar as well as
all the major places in Orissa. |
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