Konark Sun Temple

Sun Temple - The Chariot of Sun

Sun Temple, located in Konark, is probably the best known attraction that is there in Orissa. The temple was build by King Narasimhadeo in the 13th century. Sun Temple is also referred to as 'Black Pagoda' as it is build of black granite. The temple dedicated to Sun God was build as a chariot to him with wheels on all sides of the temple. It is one of the earliest places where Sun God was worshiped. Although few sections of the temple are now in ruins, but still the aura and the elegance of the temple is retained. Konark was once a busy port and many ships came and went. To Europeans, it served as a landmark who started calling the temple Black Pagoda. Sun Temple is considered a marvel among other temples and has been the inspiration for many writers and poets. Numerous books and articles related to its history and architecture have been written. Looking at the temple. Rabindranath Tagore, once said, "Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man".

History of Sun Temple

It is said that Sun Temple is built on the place where Samba, the son of Lord Krishna worshiped Sun God for liberation from a curse put upon him by his father. Legend has it that Samba was arrogant about his beauty and once made fun of a great sage Narada. Sage Narada planned to take revenge. He once lured Samba to the side of the lake where his step mothers were taking bath. Lord Krishna came to know of this unacceptable act by his son. Infuriated, he cursed his son with Leprosy. When Lord Krishna realized that his son was tricked by Sage Narada, he asked Samba to worship Sun God, who is the healer of all diseases. Samba Worshiped Lord Surya on the sea coast. He spent 12 years of penance worshiping Sun God. After long, Surya God appeared and asked Samba to take a holy dip in Konark. As soon as he was relieved of Leprosy, he planned to built a temple dedicated to Sun God at the very same place where he appeared.