Konark Sun Temple

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this temple was built seven hundred years ago by King Narasimha Deva in the 12th century. Dedicated to the Sun God, this magnificent temple mesmerizes visitors with its massive structure and magnificent rock-cut architecture. According to archaeologists, the original height of the Konark Sun Temple was approximately 227 feet, making it one of the tallest temples ever built in India. However, today only the temple's entrance hall remains, while the sanctum sanctorum has nearly collapsed. The other structure that still stands among the ruins is the Natya Mandapa. The temple's destruction is attributed to Kalapahar, a Muslim general of the Bengal Sultanate who was originally a Vaishnavite Brahmin but converted to Islam after marrying the Bengali princess Gulnawaz.

The temple is designed in the form of a chariot of Lord Surya. It has twenty-four carved wheels (representing 24 hours) and seven horses (representing 7 days). The wheels are designed in such a way that the time of day can be determined by looking at the shadows cast by them. Popularly known as the Konark Chakra, these wheels are the hallmark of the temple. Three types of stone were used in the construction of the temple: laterite for the walls, floor, and stairs; khondalite for the structure; and chlorite stone for the door frames.

The temple is also mentioned in the maps and writings of European sailors. They called it the Black Pagoda due to the dark color of its roof and held it in high esteem as an important landmark for sailors navigating the Bay of Bengal.

The Konark Sun Temple surpasses even the Taj Mahal in popularity. Upon first seeing it, one can conjure words like "amazing," "impossible," "incomparable," "magnificent," and "unimaginable." Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore famously uttered these words upon seeing the magnificent Konark Sun Temple: "Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man."

Opening times

Light and music show every evening at Konark Sun Temple   (Light and Sound Show) tickets cost 50 rupees per person. The Hindi program runs from 6:30 to 7:10 pm, and the English program runs from 7:30 to 8:10 pm.

Price:

The various charges applicable at Konark Sun Temple are as follows

• Entry fee
  • Indian tourists – Rs 40 per person
  • Foreign tourists – Rs 600 per person
  • Disabled and tourists under 15 years of age - free
• Camera Fee - Free (No Camera Fee)
• Parking fee – Rs 80 per vehicle
• Light and Sound Show (optional) – Rs 50 per person