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Odisha Konark Sun Temple Konark
Kichakeswari Temple is a renowned Hindu temple that has goddess Chamunda or Kali as presiding deity. It is situated in Khiching. Khiching was the primeval capital of Bhanja rulers. Konark Sun Temple is a primeval 13th century Sun Temple. The structure is also known as Black Pagoda. The temple is located in Konark district, Orissa. It was allegedly built by ruler Narasimhadeva I of Ganga Empire around 1250. Konark Sun Temple has been constructed in the shape of a huge chariot with ornately carved stones, walls and pillars. A major portion of the temple is now in complete ruins. The structure is a UNESCO Heritage Site. The temple also came live on NDTV's record of Seven Wonders of India. Konark Sun Temple also featured in Times of India's record of Seven Wonders in India. The term Konark is taken from the amalgamation of Sanskrit words, Arka (sun) and Kona (corner), in reference to shrine which was devoted to the god Surya.
The memorial was also known as Black Pagoda by several European sailors. On the other hand, Jagannath Temple located in Puri was known as White Pagoda. Both the structures served as significant landmarks for sailors. The shrine was originally made at the opening of the tributary Chandrabhaga, but the stream has decreased since then. The shrine has been constructed in the outline of a giant decorated chariot of god Surya. It has 12 pairs of ornately carved wheels some of them are 3 meters broad and is dragged by 7 pairs of horses.
History
The temple pursues the traditional approach of Kalinga architecture. The temple is watchfully oriented towards east direction so that first rays of sun strike the principal entry. The temple is made from Khondalite rocks. The initial structure had a main chamber (vimana), which was apparently 229 ft in height. However, the structure has deteriorated. The audience hall in the form of Jagamohana which is 128 ft tall still rests and is the main structure in the existing ruins. Among the memorials, which have actually survived to the present day are impressive dining hall (Bhoga mandapa) and dance hall (Nata mandira).
The Konark temple is generally known for its love statues of maithunas. Two ruined temples have been noticed close at hand. One of them is known as Mayadevi Temple. It is situated southwest from the entry of the main shrine. It is assumed to have been devoted to Mayadevi, the Sun god's wife. The structure has been dated to 11th century, much earlier than the foremost temple. The other structure belongs to some unidentified Vaishnava deity. Statues of Varaha, Balarama, and Trivikrama have actually been explored at the site, denoting it to be Vaishnavite shrine. Both the temples have their main idols missing.
How To Reach
By Road
A wide-ranging road network of Konark connects it properly to the rest of India through state highways and national highways linking it with Bhubaneswar, Puri, Bangalore, Mysore and other cities within and outside Orissa. Interstate and inter-district buses operate in the state of Orissa.
By Rail
Situated in the twin metropolises of Bhubaneswar and Puri, Konark railway station is well connected with all the main locations in India by standard trains.
By Air
Bhubaneswar Airport is the best alternative for entry in the city with various flights connecting Konark with Hyderabad, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi and Bangalore plying on a daily basis.
Significance Of The Temple
A special assortment of fallen statutes can be easily noticed at Konark Archaeological Museum. The museum is properly maintained by Archaeological Survey of India. Travelers will be delighted to see different types of ancient fallen sculptures of Konark temple.
Weather And Time To Visit
It has been suggested to visit the temple during winter season. October to April can be the best time to visit Konark temple with your family members and friends. However, it is better not to visit the temple during summer time. May to July is usually dry and hot. It can be uncomfortable for travelers and devotees. Monsoon can get harsh. This period is usually avoided by worshippers. There are ample lodges, inns and hotels to take care of food and lodging requirements.
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