There has not been a single person in the whole country who does not know about the tremendous historical Sun Temple of Konark holding the distinguished magnitude and gravity. Situated around 35 km northeast of Puri in Odisha, the Sun Temple is one of the main tourist attractions in Odisha state.
This exceptional effigy with impressive artifacts was fabricated by the king Narasinghs Deva–I of the Ganga Dynasty in the mid-thirteenth century and often known as Black Pagoda, this rare creation speaks of the exquisite Kalinga architecture. Constructed in the shape and resembles a grand chariot pulled by seven vibrant horses on twelve pairs of spectacular ornamented wheels, the temple is extra-ordinary impressive creation with striking design and formation. With a height of over 100 feet and immense wheels and horses the structure is carved out of stone, the temple is dedicated to the Sun God.
This awe-inspiring creation has often been observed and contemplated as the best model among the temples of its stature. It has also been considered to be the most substantial one when judged with the two other apparent formation of Odisha, namely the magnificent Jagannath Temple and the Lingaraja Temple. In spite of the fact that the Sun Temple in Konark does not hold the same carves and niches it was built with centuries ago, it still manages to bewitch the enchanted viewers. It proves the exquisite artistic power and credit of the Vaishnav culture.
The Konark sun temple, with its intricate stone sculptures, is a UNESCO World Heritage site even though it ceased to be a living temple a few decades after its consecration in the 13th century. Life in Konark revolves almost entirely around tourist activities related to the temples.
