The Magnificent Erotic Carvings of The Konark Sun Temple
Published by Paromita Goswami, Writer
Country: India 
The Experience
India is home to seven Sun Temples, among which the Konark Sun Temple is the most prominent of all. Situated in Orissa state of eastern India, Konark Sun Temple is one of the oldest temples of India and a living example of Orissan architecture. It dates back to the 13th century and was built by King Narasimhadeva I as a mark of victory over Muslim invaders. Konark Sun Temple is dedicated to the Sun God, and is also known as “Black Pagoda”. Situated at a distance of 35 kilometers from the holy city of Puri in Orissa, Konark Sun Temple is a must-see during any east India tour.
The Konark Sun Temple derives its name from a combination of two words. “Kon” means corner, and “Ark” means sun, which together implies “The Corner Sun”. The entire structure of the Konark Sun Temple is that of a celestial chariot with twelve giant wheels (representing months of a year) driven by seven horses (only one remains intact). King Narasimhadeva I had built Konark Sun Temple on the bank of river Chandrabhanga. Over the ages, even though the river has dried up and the sea has distanced itself from the temple, you can still hear the roaring waves and mesmerizing beauty of the sun from the temple ruins.
According to the legends, King Narasimhadeva I chose this place because of its sanctity, quite apart from its beauty and navigational ease. Samba, son of Lord Krishna, was distressed by leprosy imposed on him by Narada, the divine sage. For twelve years, Samba worshipped The Sun God, and finally the God appeared before him in the form of an idol of Surya in standing position with a lotus in both hands. Samba installed the idol in the temple in his ashram and was cured of the disease.
The Konark Sun Temple, although in ruins today, speaks gallantly about its once marvelous architecture. Those interested in archeology can easily pick up stories from the unmatched artistic carvings on the stones. Every stone has a story to tell of the splendor of the bygone era. It took twelve years and 12,000 artisans to create this magnificent masterpiece of the medieval period. Among the ruins, you can figure out the three main sections that constitute the temple complex: the main temple where the deity was worshipped, the gathering hall where the devotees gathered to take a glimpse of the deity, and the dancing hall where the devdasis performed during pujas. The only visible structures of the Konark Sun Temple are the temple entrance and the dancing hall. However, the splendor of the temple complex remains unmatched.
The carving on the temple walls were a representation of Hindu mythology and artisan ideas. To catch the sun rays during the day inside the temple, the Sun God was depicted in the form of three images: Brahma (The creator) as the morning sun, Mahashwara (The destroyer) as the noon sun, and Vishnu (The Preserver) as the evening sun. The walls would also be adorned with many beautiful carvings of women dancing in various poses, musicians, warriors, men and women socializing, images of animals and non-humans in various forms. The Konark Temple is also known for its magnificent erotic carvings. The imagination of the artisans should be applauded for the fantastic carvings of the erotic images which signify higher knowledge of human anatomy. All the images have well defined expressions and gestures which shows how minutely the work was done.
The Konark Sun Temple derives its name from a combination of two words. “Kon” means corner, and “Ark” means sun, which together implies “The Corner Sun”. The entire structure of the Konark Sun Temple is that of a celestial chariot with twelve giant wheels (representing months of a year) driven by seven horses (only one remains intact). King Narasimhadeva I had built Konark Sun Temple on the bank of river Chandrabhanga. Over the ages, even though the river has dried up and the sea has distanced itself from the temple, you can still hear the roaring waves and mesmerizing beauty of the sun from the temple ruins.
According to the legends, King Narasimhadeva I chose this place because of its sanctity, quite apart from its beauty and navigational ease. Samba, son of Lord Krishna, was distressed by leprosy imposed on him by Narada, the divine sage. For twelve years, Samba worshipped The Sun God, and finally the God appeared before him in the form of an idol of Surya in standing position with a lotus in both hands. Samba installed the idol in the temple in his ashram and was cured of the disease.
The Konark Sun Temple, although in ruins today, speaks gallantly about its once marvelous architecture. Those interested in archeology can easily pick up stories from the unmatched artistic carvings on the stones. Every stone has a story to tell of the splendor of the bygone era. It took twelve years and 12,000 artisans to create this magnificent masterpiece of the medieval period. Among the ruins, you can figure out the three main sections that constitute the temple complex: the main temple where the deity was worshipped, the gathering hall where the devotees gathered to take a glimpse of the deity, and the dancing hall where the devdasis performed during pujas. The only visible structures of the Konark Sun Temple are the temple entrance and the dancing hall. However, the splendor of the temple complex remains unmatched.
The carving on the temple walls were a representation of Hindu mythology and artisan ideas. To catch the sun rays during the day inside the temple, the Sun God was depicted in the form of three images: Brahma (The creator) as the morning sun, Mahashwara (The destroyer) as the noon sun, and Vishnu (The Preserver) as the evening sun. The walls would also be adorned with many beautiful carvings of women dancing in various poses, musicians, warriors, men and women socializing, images of animals and non-humans in various forms. The Konark Temple is also known for its magnificent erotic carvings. The imagination of the artisans should be applauded for the fantastic carvings of the erotic images which signify higher knowledge of human anatomy. All the images have well defined expressions and gestures which shows how minutely the work was done.
When to Go to Konarak Sun Temple
The best time to visit Konark is during the winters from October to March. The summers are too hot and the monsoons are prone to cyclones. Visitors prefer the winter as the best time for temple sightseeing. Tourists can also combine their tour with the Konark Dance Festival which is organized in the winter to attract more tourists. The festival is hosted in the open Natya Mandir (Dancing Hall) of the temple premises. During festival time, The Konark Sun Temple glows in the evening with light, music and dance. It’s a perfect festival which culminates in various Indian classical dance forms under one roof. You can also get a peek into Oriya culture and tradition. The festival is organized by Orissa Tourism and Odissi Research Center, and attracts lots of tourists. It is therefore advisable to make your bookings in advance to avoid any hassles.
You can easily book your Konark tour from Puri which is about 35 kilometers, or from Bhubaneshwar which is the capital city of the state of Orissa and about 65 kilometers from Konark. Both the cities are well connected by airways and railways with other major cities in the country.
Konark is also known for Chandraprabha beach, which is a very popular picnic spot of Orissa. It is about 3 kilometers from the famous Konark Sun Temple. The beach is heaven for poets and romantic hearts. The natural beauty of the Bay of Bengal has enchanted many visitors who stay here overnight to enthrall the beauty of the following day. The beach also has a lighthouse which was once used by the marine sailors. The view from the top is worth the climb.
Other places of interest nearby are the excavated Buddhist site at Kuruma at about 8 kilometers, and the Saiva shrine on sand dunes at Kapileswar about 10 kilometers.
You can easily book your Konark tour from Puri which is about 35 kilometers, or from Bhubaneshwar which is the capital city of the state of Orissa and about 65 kilometers from Konark. Both the cities are well connected by airways and railways with other major cities in the country.
Konark is also known for Chandraprabha beach, which is a very popular picnic spot of Orissa. It is about 3 kilometers from the famous Konark Sun Temple. The beach is heaven for poets and romantic hearts. The natural beauty of the Bay of Bengal has enchanted many visitors who stay here overnight to enthrall the beauty of the following day. The beach also has a lighthouse which was once used by the marine sailors. The view from the top is worth the climb.
Other places of interest nearby are the excavated Buddhist site at Kuruma at about 8 kilometers, and the Saiva shrine on sand dunes at Kapileswar about 10 kilometers.
Odds n' Ends
The people of Orissa are very peace loving and simple. The city of Puri is one of the pilgrimage destinations of the Hindus. It is the abode of Lord Jagganath and the venue for Rath Yatra which is held every year. Apart from pilgrims, tourists from all over the world throng there during festival time. Plan your trip in advance for a comfortable tour. Locals are fluent in Oriya, Hindi and English, and always helpful. Being a pilgrimage destination, crime rate is low. However, you must be aware of touts who can lure you easily for an attractive deal on tour packages. It is therefore advisable to consult government tour operators or one with a good reputation in the market.
Want a Guide?
- Konark Tour Package
- We, at Aditya Tours would like to take an opportunity to introduce ourselves as an operator of in-bound tours and travels in New Delhi, India.
- The Wonder of India - Sun Temple, Konark , Orrissa
- NDTV announced the launch of its nationwide campaign, '7 Wonders of India', in association with the Ministry of Tourism's Incredible India campaign. A first-of-its-kind initiative, 7 Wonders of India will uncover the seven best natural and man-made marvels in the country.
- TOUR OPERATORS AND TRAVEL AGENTS OF PURI
- The Sun temple of Konark, commonly known as the 'BLACK PAGODA' to the modern world.
- Konark Tour
- Despite the fact that the 'Black Pagoda' is in ruins, the remaining porch area and other structures of this temple complex remain as a crown jewel of Orissan artwork.
- konark and puri temples india
- Konark and Puri, located in the eastern India state of Orissa, are famous all over the world for their magnificent temples and beaches. Konark and Puri are at a distance of 35 kms from each other.
Places to Eat
- OTDC PANTHANIVAS YATRINIVAS KONARK ODISHA
- The Sun is always brighter and amazingly big here! The reason for the world heritage site Sun God Temple “Konarak Sun Temple”, lies here in the Easter part of India.
- AQUARIUM
- Mayfair Beach Resort
- Wild Grass Restaurant
- V.I.P. Road, Puri
- Grand Restaurant
- Grand Centre, Near Jagannath temple, Grand Road, Puri
Recommended Places to Stay
- PANTHANIVAS YATRINIVAS,KONARK
- The magnificent Sun Temple at Konark is the culmination of Orissan temple architecture, and one of the most stunning monuments of religious architecture in the world. The poet Rabindranath Tagore said of Konark that 'here the language of stone surpasses the language of man', and it is true that the experience of Konark is impossible to translate into words.
- Budget Hotels in Konark
- Usually, a day excursion to Konark from the nearby popular tourist destinations of Puri and Bhubaneswar is enough to take in the splendor of the Konark Temple and its distinct temple architectural style. However, if you want to club a beach tour with your temple tour in Orissa, then you can stay in any of the guesthouses and lodges with basic amenities located in Konark.
- Toshali Sands, Puri
- Toshali Sands is one of Puri's premier resorts offering cottages, villas and deluxe rooms spread over 30 acres of landscaped gardens. Located on the Konark Marine Drive the resort is 8 km away from the railway station and a convenient 23 km from the Konark Sun Temple.
- The Crown, Bhubaneshwar
- Hotel The Crown is one of the best four star luxurious hotels located in Bhubaneshwar. Nestled amidst the splashes of green, and away from the city hustle-bustle it facilitates world class facilities that give you unrivaled services. As this hotel is located ideally so it is preferred among corporate and leisure travelers. This hotel has impressive interiors that reveal impeccable luxury
- Lotus Eco Resort
- The Lotus Eco Village on the isolated virgin silver sands of the Ramchandi Beach is one of the most picturesque beaches of Orissa.
Additional Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Hotel Surya Beach Inn is a centrally located beach-view hotel in Puri 1.5 kms. from the Lord Jaganath Temple and 1 km from the railway ... 0 miles away
$2093 INR+
Location. Hotel Arya Palace is located in Puri, Orissa, India. Hotel Features. Business center Restaurant Room service Guestrooms. Television Air conditioning . 17 miles away
$700 INR+
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More Experiences Nearby
- Awaken to the Grand Rath Yatra Festival in Puri, India
- Rath Yatra Chariot Festival is one of the biggest festivals in Hindu culture, and nowhere is the celebration bigger then in the holy city of Puri in Orissa. Millions of devotees from all over the world come to the Jagannath Puri temple every year to participate in this grand festival. Abiding to ritual, the sacred idols of Lord Jagannath of Puri, along with the idols of his elder brother Balabhadra and younger sister Subhadra, are taken out in grand procession in big wooden chariots from the Jagannath temple of Puri to the Gundicha Temple, where they remain for nine days. ...19 miles away.
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