At a distance of 60 km from the capital city Bhubaneswar , is place called Konark. Having derived its name from Kona meaning Corner and Arka meaning Sun. Konark is also called Arkakshetra . Here at Konark in the proximity of the mesmerizing Chandrabhaga beach stands a marvel of architectural excellence. A magnificent Sun Temple designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with seven galloping horses and twelve pairs of giant wheels each 10 ft high fixed on either side, carrying the mythical Sun God across the heavens is the main attraction here, which draw millions of tourists every year.
Built by King Narasimhadeva way back in the 13th century AD, the Sun Temple at Konark is a brilliant example of fine skills of the then Odiya architects, It is one of the most stunning monuments dedicated to religious architecture and has now made its way to the list of World Heritage Sites. More popularly known as the Black Pagoda,this Sun Temple Architecture -the flickering glimpse of dying lamp.The Images carved on the walls of the temple seem to have been infused with life by the expert hands of architects.
The main temple in the shape of a chariot along with several supplementary shrines, separate groups of statuary and the refectory is enclosed in a courtyard of 865 ft x 540 ft . A detached structure with a square plan called Natamandir (dancing hall) faces the main flight of steps . The artistic , military, religious, social and domestic aspects of 13th century Odisha are beautifully chronicled in stone at Konark.
The dancing figures in various poses ( mudras)are gracefully carved to create a mesmerizing treat for the eyes. The fantasy created by the stone carvings here leaves the onlookers in a trance. Konark Sun Temple is one of those are monuments of the world, which can boast of an unrestrained abundance of plastic decoration. Every single image has been chiselled and moulded with such fine artistry that one has to see it to believe.
Adding to such beauty is the wonderful seabeach at Chandrabhaga famous for its spectacular sunrise. Such is the charisma of Konark that the heart develops in an instant affinity towards the place, which lasts for a lifetime.
The Sun Temple
A world heritage monument " Here the Language of stone surpasses the language of man ", thus said Rabindranath Tagore describing the beauty of Konark . " Had Konark been discovered first and the Taj Mahal at Agra later by the Europeans, then there is no doubt that Taj would have taken a second place in the mind of world', remarked the noted Art Historian Charles Fabri.
The Museum
An excellent collection of sculptures from the ruins of the temple can be found in the museum run by the Archaeological Survey of India adjacent to the temple
The Konark Festival
The Konark Festival is an annual event organised from 1 -5 December every year by the State Department of Tourism. During this festival, classical dancers from the entire nation mesmerize the audience with their brilliant performances. Amidst the strokes of the musical instruments , tinkling of the anklets and stunning movements of the dances, the Konark Temple seems to be infused with life. Added attraction is the organisation of International Sand Art Festival at Chandrabhaga during the same period.
Chandrabhaga
The Chandrabhaga beach at Konark is one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches of India. Well known for its spectacular sunrise, the Chandrabhaga beach is 35 km away from the Golden Beach at Puri. on the mrine Drive. Along the entire road , one can stip anywhere to enjoy the beach . The beauty of Chandrabhaga Beach can leave my visitor spell bound. Besides, the long stretch of casuarinas provide an excellent picnic spot where one can have lots of fun and frolic.
Built by King Narasimhadeva way back in the 13th century AD, the Sun Temple at Konark is a brilliant example of fine skills of the then Odiya architects, It is one of the most stunning monuments dedicated to religious architecture and has now made its way to the list of World Heritage Sites. More popularly known as the Black Pagoda,this Sun Temple Architecture -the flickering glimpse of dying lamp.The Images carved on the walls of the temple seem to have been infused with life by the expert hands of architects.
The main temple in the shape of a chariot along with several supplementary shrines, separate groups of statuary and the refectory is enclosed in a courtyard of 865 ft x 540 ft . A detached structure with a square plan called Natamandir (dancing hall) faces the main flight of steps . The artistic , military, religious, social and domestic aspects of 13th century Odisha are beautifully chronicled in stone at Konark.
The dancing figures in various poses ( mudras)are gracefully carved to create a mesmerizing treat for the eyes. The fantasy created by the stone carvings here leaves the onlookers in a trance. Konark Sun Temple is one of those are monuments of the world, which can boast of an unrestrained abundance of plastic decoration. Every single image has been chiselled and moulded with such fine artistry that one has to see it to believe.
Adding to such beauty is the wonderful seabeach at Chandrabhaga famous for its spectacular sunrise. Such is the charisma of Konark that the heart develops in an instant affinity towards the place, which lasts for a lifetime.
The Sun Temple
A world heritage monument " Here the Language of stone surpasses the language of man ", thus said Rabindranath Tagore describing the beauty of Konark . " Had Konark been discovered first and the Taj Mahal at Agra later by the Europeans, then there is no doubt that Taj would have taken a second place in the mind of world', remarked the noted Art Historian Charles Fabri.
The Museum
An excellent collection of sculptures from the ruins of the temple can be found in the museum run by the Archaeological Survey of India adjacent to the temple
The Konark Festival
The Konark Festival is an annual event organised from 1 -5 December every year by the State Department of Tourism. During this festival, classical dancers from the entire nation mesmerize the audience with their brilliant performances. Amidst the strokes of the musical instruments , tinkling of the anklets and stunning movements of the dances, the Konark Temple seems to be infused with life. Added attraction is the organisation of International Sand Art Festival at Chandrabhaga during the same period.
Chandrabhaga
The Chandrabhaga beach at Konark is one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches of India. Well known for its spectacular sunrise, the Chandrabhaga beach is 35 km away from the Golden Beach at Puri. on the mrine Drive. Along the entire road , one can stip anywhere to enjoy the beach . The beauty of Chandrabhaga Beach can leave my visitor spell bound. Besides, the long stretch of casuarinas provide an excellent picnic spot where one can have lots of fun and frolic.
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