Konark Sun Temple

The Nobel Laureate Tagore wrote,

Here the language of stone surpasses the language of human.

-Rabindranath Tagore 

Konark Temple (Black Pagoda), is a burning example of Odisha's rich craftsmanship & culture. The temple was carved in the 13th century and is attributed to King Narasimhadeva I. The temple is dedicated to the almighty Hindu God Surya Deva. The current temple is a 100-foot high chariot with immense wheels and horses carved from stone.

The temple is designed in the shape of a chariot with seven horses and twenty four wheels. The temple is famed for its rich craft work carved from stone. The intricate artwork, iconography and themes of human life attract visitors. The artwork is finished to jewellery-quality miniature details. The upper levels and terraces of the Sun temple contain larger and significant art works. The detailed and fine artworks make visitors astonished.

The name "Konark" is an amalgamation of two words. Kona, means corner and Arka means the Sun. That's why it is called as Konark. The temple was an important landmark for the sailors. So the European sailors named the temple as "The Black Pagoda". For its magnificent beauty it has acquired a place in India's 7 wonders.

The Konark Sun Temple is about 35 km northeast from Puri and about 65 km from Bhubaneswar, on the coastline of Odisha, India.