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The Konark Sun Temple is located outside the city of Puri in Orissa, India, on the shores of the Bay of Bengal. Orissa was once a thriving center of Brahmanism in India. The Konark Sun Temple was built between 1238 and 1264 during the reign of King Narasimha Deva in the Kalinga style – one of the characteristic architectural styles of India. While India has many sun temples, the Konark Sun Temple is the largest among them, a testament to the flourishing period of the Orissa kingdom and its close connection to Brahmanism throughout history.
The entire temple is constructed from sandstone with elaborate carvings and is shaped like a chariot with 24 wheels and 6 horses. Two large lions stand guard in front of the temple.
Due to its unique geographical location, the Konark Sun Temple is where the first rays of sunlight fall on the Bay of Bengal. The 24 wheels on the temple's exterior, with their sculptures depicting engines and axles, symbolize the cycles of the seasons and months.
Like many other temples in India, the Konark Sun Temple is divided into distinct areas. Surrounding the temple are numerous elaborate and exquisitely carved bas-reliefs characteristic of Indian architecture. Originally, the temple had a main worship hall structure 70 meters high, but this structure is no longer intact, with only the main pillars remaining. Next to it is a 30-meter-high auditorium (Jagamohana) which still exists today and is the main structure among the remaining ruins.
Legend says the temple was built by Samba, the son of the god Krishna. Samba suffered from leprosy, and after twelve years of repentance, he was cured by the god Surya. Therefore, he had this temple built as a token of gratitude to the sun god. Konark derives its name from the sun god in Indian mythology.
The Konark Temple of the Sun is currently one of the Seven Wonders of India and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Therefore, on major holidays, many Indian people often make pilgrimages here to pay their respects to the god Surya. Tourists also flock here to learn about one of India's religious sites. The temple is situated amidst beautiful, still relatively unspoiled natural scenery, making it even more mysterious and attractive to visitors.
