Konark Temple
The
crowning glory of Oriya temple architecture, the 13th century Sun temple also
known as ' the Black Pagoda', comes with a baggage of centuries - old myths
and legends. Legends say that Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, was afflicted
by leprosy, brought about by his father's curse on him. After 12 years of penance,
he was cured by Surya, the Sun God, in whose honour he built this temple.
The Sun Temple
Built by Raja Narsimhadeva of the Ganga dynasty, in the 13th century AD, the
temple is a pageant of human grandeur, in its perception, and in the execution
of even the finest details. It resembles a colossal chariot, with 24 wheels,
pulled by seven straining horses, and has a three-tiered pyramidal roof topped
off by a fine spire. The Sun - God's chariot, also represents the seven days
of the week, and the 24 hours of the day, in its concept. The temple is a brilliant
chronicle in stone, with impressive sculptures. Every aspect of life is represented
here, and the erotic imagery, depicts the sublimation of human love manifested
in countless forms. Scenes from court, civic life and war are also done with
great precision.
Unlike the other temples of the Bhubaneswar-Konark-Puri region, the Konark temple
had two smaller outer halls, completely separate from the main structure. The
assembly-hall and the tower were built on an imposing platform, which were carved
into meticulously crafted twelve pairs of decorated wheels, each 10 feet in
diameter. The entrance is reached by a broad flight of steps, flanked on either
side by prancing horses, the whole representing the chariot, in which the Sun-God
rides across the heavens. The court of the temple, was decorated with large
free-standing sculptures of great strength and beauty. Now protected under the
World Heritage List, the temple's interior was filled - up in 1903 A.D., by
the then British Lt. Governor of Bengal, to save it from deterioration.
Festivals
The
Chandrabhaga Mela or Magha Saptami mela in the month of February, is a grand
religious festival. Thousands of pilgrims converge on the pool, on this day
to take a holy dip in its curative waters, and then shuffle off to the beach
where, in accordance with an age-old custom mentioned in the
puranas,
they watch the sun rise over the sea. The event is followed by the
puja
of the Navagraha.
Those interested in attending the Konark Dance Festival, held in the Open air
Auditorium north of the Sun Temple, should visit during the first week of December.
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