KONARK SUN TEMPLE

The Sun Temple of Konark, built in the ^13th century, is a Unesco World Heritage Site. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in India.

This Brahmanic temple is the highlight of the Kalinga architecture, the ancient kingdom that occupied the present Odisha. Built at the time at the mouth of the Chandrabhaga River, it faced the ocean before the coast silted up. The site of Konark, which includes several temples and terraces, was excavated because it was partially silted up. A large part of the temple was destroyed. Restoration work is being undertaken regularly to restore the temple to its former glory.

Also known as the Black Pagoda in the ^17th century, this monumental building represents the chariot of the sun-god (Sûrya), with its 24 finely sculpted wheels and the horses that pull it. It is decorated with sculptures of deities,apsaras (celestial nymphs), scenes of daily life and activities of the time, animals and decorative motifs. The details are breathtaking. The wheels represent the signs of the zodiac, twice. Other deities are also present, including Vishnu (in the form of Jagannath) and Shiva (in the form of a lingam). Like the temples of Khajurao, there are many erotic scenes from the Kamasutra. The temple was built at the time when Tantrism dominated the Hindu religion. The site also includes annex buildings as well as scattered sculptures that belonged to the original temple.

The temple consisted of a series of halls that led to the main sanctuary topped by a bada (spiral corncob tower). Although the sanctuary collapsed in the ^19th century, the jagamohana that preceded it remains. However, it is forbidden to enter the interior and the work of supporting the roof continues. The terraces on the sides of the temple were used for dance performances and welcomed musicians.

We strongly recommend the services of a guide who will be able to show you the details that can easily go unnoticed, such as this giraffe illustrating the commercial relations of the Kalinga empire with Africa. To gauge its importance in the country's historical and cultural capital, you should know that the Konark Sun Temple is on the 10-rupee bill. Some guides speak better English than others, check before starting the visit. Allow a minimum of 2 hours for a visit of the main temple.