Sun Temple
Dedicated to Lord Surya, this 13th century temple is an architectural marvel and the quintโฆ Dedicated to Lord Surya, this 13th century temple is an architectural marvel and the quintessential example of Odiyan form of architecture. It is believed that the temple was constructed by king Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The shape of the temple is of a massive chariot with sumptuously engraved stone wheels, pillars and walls. A major part of the structure at present is in ruins. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple has been made in the form of a huge adorned chariot of the god Sun. It has twelve pairs of sumptuously engraved stone wheels and is pulled by a set of seven horses. The temple trails the traditional elegance of Kalinga architecture. It is carefully slanted towards the east so that the first rays of sunrise foray the main entrance. The original temple had a main hall but, due to the weight of the heavy structure and weak soil of the area the main hall fell in 1837. The audience hall still stands and is the prime structure in the persisting ruins. Amongst the structures, at the present day, are the dance hall and dining hall. The Konark temple is also known for its sensual statues and plays host to an annual dance festival which showcase all the traditional dance forms from various past of India with the most prominent being the Odissi from its parent state. ย Read more