Things to know about Konark Sun Temple

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Image Source: By Alokprasad84 – Own work, CC BY 3.0


The beauty and history of Konark Sun temple attract lots of peoples almost 2.5 million people visit it every year.

Due to its dark color, it is also known as Kaala Pagoda.

There are also many beautiful gardens. You can also spend quality of time there with your family, friends or loved ones.

The stones have been sculpted, even today they are spreading their beauty.

Also Read: 5 Rare places to visit in India in 2021

History of Konark Sun Temple

In 1984 it was included as a UNESCO world heritage site. Historians believe that this temple is more than 750 years old. It was built in 1250 A.D. by the king of the Ganga Dynasty, Narasimha Deva 1st.  This temple has been built in the east direction in such a way that the first ray of sun falls directly on the entrance of the temple.

This temple has been built in the east direction in such a way that the first ray of sun falls directly on the entrance of the temple.

Image Source: By Subhrajyoti07 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0,


Formation of this temple is in the shape of chariot. A total of 12 pairs are in this chariot. The diameter of a wheel is 3 meters. These are the main attraction of the temple because these wheels work to tell time like a watch.

  • Therefore these wheels are also called Dhup Ghadi (Sundial).
  • You can also see these wheels on Indian currency 10 rupees note.
  • 7 horses are there in this chariot, these horses are also known as a symbol of seven days of the week.

There is one more thing at the entrance that attracts everyone’s attention and that is these idols on both sides of the door. Among these statues is the elephant under the lion, the human body under the elephant.

In it, the lion is a symbol of pride, and Elephant is a symbol of wealth. In this, it has been seen that pride and greed destroy human beings.

It is believed that the temple was built on the seashore but with time its distance from the sea increased.

It is said that a river named Chandra Bhaga used to flow 2 km north of the temple, which has now become extinct. The river is there has also been certified.

Image Source: By Bernard Gagnon – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0


An interesting fact about it is that iron sheets and magnets were used to connect the stones of the temple. 52 tone magnet was also installed at the top of the temple. It is said that Portuguese sailors had taken out these magnets from the temple. Because of this magnet, there were many difficulties in moving the boat.

Konark Dance Festival

One of the biggest dance festivals of Odisha, You can enjoy the Konark dance festival in December. It is a five days dance festival. Since 1986 the festival was organized there. Many celebrities came there to perform at the festival.

Sand Art Festival

International Sand Art Festival also takes place on the golden beach of Chandrabhaga during the time of the festival. Foreign artists, as well as Indian artists from all over the country, take place in this competition.

Location of Konark Sun Temple

Konark Sun Temple is situated in Konark Town. Konark is a town of Odisha, district Puri. Its distance from capital Bhubaneswar is 60 km and from Puri is 35 km.

This is all about this historical Konark Sun Temple. I promise you if you visit Konark Sun Temple you will be not disappointed by the amazing beauty of this Temple. 

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