Konark Sun Temple History

Konark Sun Temple History, Timings, Darshan, Importance, Information, Route

The Konark Sun Temple Located in Odisha was built in the 13th century, the temple was opened in the year 1250. The temple is dedicated to the Lord of energy, the Sun god. The temple main area is almost eighty percent collapsed, The leftover temple is preserved till now. The Konark Sun temple stands as the  UNESCO World Heritage.

The temple architecture shows 3 primary structures with 6 stages of life in Six different layers of the temple.

ARCHITECTURE :

• The primary structure of the temple shows :
• The Main Temple
• The Dance Hall
• The Prayer Hall
• The Konark Sun Temple is in the Form of a chariot pulled by 7 horses(& horses denoting 7 colours of Rainbow)
• 24 Sun Dials were carved out in the temple resembling 24 hours of a da
• The temple shows 6 layers which beautifully explaining the stages of life :

1st Layer	For the ages below 5 years
2nd  Layer	For the ages 6-10 years
3rd  Layer	For the ages  11-15 years
4th Layer	For the ages 16 – 20 years
5th Layer	For the ages  21-25 years
6th Layer	Unknown

• The temple features 3 idols of Sun god :

1. Morning Sun -Happy Face
2. Afternoon Sun – Somber Face
3. Evening Sun – Sad Face

• Stones used in construction :
• Bhaluyi stone
• Granite

Konark Sun Temple Information:

• Built in 13^th century by Maharaja Narsingh
• Opened in the year 1250
• Time Taken for construction – 12 Years
• Number of workers involved – 1200
• The temple was architecture was designed by the great architect Vishu Mohrana

 LEGENDS :

• Samba son of Lord Krishna had a curse of Leprosy.
• To get cure the son (Sambha) of Lord Krishna did Tapasya(meditation) worshipping Sun god in front of Chandrabagha river in front of the Sea.
• Sambha meditated for about 12 years and got the cure for Leprosy.
• Later King Narsingh was born and his mother said in ancient days leprosy was cured in 12 years and advised him to built Surya Temple, then he started the construction in the year 1238
• As it took 12 years to cure leprosy, they involved 1200 workers and built in 12 years on 12 acres of land.

Konark Sun Temple Specialities :

• The 1^st Ray of the Sun fall on the Nat mandap (Dancing Hall) and passes to Garbha Griha.
• Magnetic top “Dadhinothi” with 52 tones magnet on the temple Shikra (Presently destroyed)
• 750 years old Sundial (Which gives perfect timings)
• The Shadow of the main Sun temple falls on the temple of Chaya(Wife of Sun god).
• Temple has idols of Sun god, Sandhya & Chaya ( Wives of Sun god)
• The Sun temple shows 2 temples on one foundation :
• Jagmohan Mandir
• Main Temple

Reference Link: details