- Sightseeing in Puri and Konark
- Must-visit Places in Puri and Konark
- Best Restaurant in Konark
- Must Visit Places in Odisha
- National Parks in Odisha
- Puri-Konark Marine Drive
- Things to do in Puri and Konark
- Museums in Konark
- Water Sports in Odisha
- Bhubaneswar to Konark
- New Year in Odisha
- Sightseeing in Konark
- Best Time to Visit Konark
- Puri to Konark Road Trip
- Best Time to Visit Puri and Konark
- Odisha’s Famous Food
- Shri Jagannath Puri Temple
- Glorious Sculptures at Konark Sun Temple
- The Mystical Konark Sun Temple Wheel
- Top 5 Sea Beaches in Konark
- Top 5 Tourist Attractions in Puri
- Konark Dance & Music Festival
- Plan the Perfect 4-day Itinerary for Puri
- Exploring Historical Places in Odisha
- Exploring the Ancient Temples of Odisha
- Culinary Corner
- Top 5 places to visit in Konark
- Top 5 Places to Eat in Konark
- Balukhand Konark Wildlife Sanctuary
- Konark & The Konark Sun Temple
- Konark Beach
- Konark - Off the Beaten Path
- Exploring Odisha in 5 days
Konark Sun Temple, situated in the eastern Indian state of Odisha, is a marvel of ancient Indian architecture and sculpture. Built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, the temple is dedicated to the Hindu sun god, Surya. The temple is famous for its impressive stone carvings, which adorn its walls and pillars. These carvings are a testament to the artistic skills of the craftsmen who built the temple and offer a glimpse into the cultural and religious beliefs of ancient India.
Animal and Bird Sculptures
One of the most striking features of Konark Sun Temple is the animal and bird sculptures that adorn its walls. They capture the essence and movement of each creature in a lifelike manner. These sculptures include elephants, lions, horses and peacocks, among others. Each animal sculpture is unique in its pose and expression and they are all incredibly detailed.
The elephant sculptures are a reflection of the importance they were given in ancient India. Elephants were used as symbols of power and strength, and the Konark Temple sculptures depict them in various poses, from standing majestically to trumpeting and charging. The lion sculptures, on the other hand, are a symbol of bravery and courage, and they are depicted in poses that capture their grace and power.
Stone Carvings of Deities
Konark Sun Temple is famous for its intricate stone carvings of gods and goddesses from Hindu mythology. The carvings depict them in various poses and expressions, each representing a different aspect of the divine. These sculptures are a reflection of the religious beliefs of the time and are incredibly detailed and capture the essence of each deity perfectly.
Inside Konark Temple, the sculpture of Lord Vishnu depicts the god in a reclining position, with his consort, Goddess Lakshmi, at his feet. Goddess Durga is a symbol of strength and power, and her sculpture depicts her in fierce pose and brandishing multiple weapons. These Konark Sun Temple statues are a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of India and its deep-rooted traditions.
Figurative Sculptures
Konark Sun Temple is also famous for its erotic sculptures, which are a reflection of the ancient Indian belief that intimacy is a natural and essential part of life. These sculptures depict various intimate acts and positions and highlight the importance of pleasure and sensuality in human life. The Konark Temple sculptures are incredibly detailed with each figure depicted in a lifelike manner.
The Sun Chariot
The most striking feature of Konark Sun Temple is the massive chariot sculpture at its entrance, which is pulled by 7 horses. The horses are carved in such a way that they appear to be running, with their manes and tails flowing behind them. It is believed to represent the chariot of Surya, the sun god. The 100-foot-high chariot is believed to represent his journey across the sky. The horses symbolise the seven days of the week, each horse representing one day.
Inside Konark Sun Temple, sculptures will leave you mesmerised. To experience Konark in all its glory, consider staying at Lotus Eco Beach Resort, Konark, which is located at a distance of just 8.7 km from Konark Sun Temple. Nestled amidst the serene Konark beach, Lotus Eco Beach Resort Konark is an idyllic getaway. Its eco-friendly architecture seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings, offering a unique and refreshing ambience. With tastefully decorated rooms that offer stunning views of the sea and the verdant gardens, the resort caters to the needs of every traveller.