What is the story behind Konark Temple?

Believed to have been built in the 13th century CE the temple was built by the King Narasimhadeva I hailing from the Eastern Ganga dynasty between 1238-1250 CE. The temple was commissioned by the king while Samantaraya Mahapatra was the one in charge of its construction. ‘Konark’ means the sun and the four corners.

Who built the Konark Temple and why?

The Konark Temple was built by King Narasimha Deva I in 1244 to worship Surya, the Sun God. Konark was chosen as its place of construction because it has been described as the holy seat of Surya in various ancient texts.

Who destroyed Konark Temple?

Kalapahad
As per another very popular theory, the temple was destroyed by Kalapahad (Kalapahad was the title given to a Muslim governor Sultan Sulaiman Karrani of Bengal) who invaded Orissa in 1508. He had also destroyed many other Hindu temples in Orissa along with the Konark Sun Temple.

Why Konark is called Sun Temple?

The name Konark comes from the combination of the Sanskrit words Kona (corner or angle) and Ark (the sun), in reference to the temple which was dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. The Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun God.

Who built Konark temple in Odisha?

Narasimhadeva I
Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century CE (year 1250) Sun temple at Konark about 35 kilometres (22 mi) northeast from Puri on the coastline of Odisha, India….Konark Sun Temple.

Konark Sun Temples
Creator Narasimhadeva I
Completed c. 1250
Site area 10.62 ha (26.2 acres)
Website

Why there is no worship in Konark temple?

Stones were brought from Udaigiri n Khandagiri ,carved and held interlocked by metal strips which in turn was held together by a giant magnet. Considered unholy due to his death which saved the life of 12000 workers ,the ashtadhatu (alloy of 8 metals) statue of Surya stands till date without being worshipped!!

Who built Konark Temple in Orissa?

Bishu Maharana
Konark Sun Temple/Architects

Who built Konark Temple?

How old is Konark Temple?

771c. 1250
Konark Sun Temple/Age

Who built Konark temple?

Why does Konark temple have erotic sculptures?

There are various theories and explanations provided by the researchers and historians behind the erotic carvings on the temple walls. According to one of the popular theories, a person in order to enter the pure grounds of a temple must get rid of all his carnal desires and lust.

What is the meaning of erotic sculpture?

Erotic sexual arts depict various sexual expressions of different human beings based on the core Hindu theme of Moksha. In many erotic sculptures, you can see people doing sex while being in the meditation at the same time. A couple embracing each other depicts Purusha (Essence) and Prakriti (Nature) of life.

Where is the Konark Sun Temple in Orissa?

Located in the eponymous village of Konark, 35 km from Puri, it is the remains of a temple that was constructed in the 13 th century. If you are visiting Orissa, Konark Sun Temple is a place that you must visit.

Who was the king of the Konark temple?

It was one of the most powerful dynasties in India which gave existence to majestic temples like Konark Sun Temple and Puri Jagannath Temple. The Konark Temple was built by King Narasimha Deva I in 1244 to worship Surya, the Sun God.

When is the best time to visit Konark Sun Temple?

As for the timings, the Konark Sun Temple is open from 6 am to 10 pm. Since it’s a temple dedicated to Surya, the best time to visit is in the morning itself. That’s when you see the temple in its glory as it was intended to be. From parking to the temple, you can either walk to the chariot or take a shared auto.

Why does the Konark Sun Temple have 12 wheels?

The temple is said to symbolize the passage of time, which is assumed to be governed by the Sun God. The set of horses is meant to represent the seven days of the week, while the 12 pairs of wheels reference the 12 months of the year.