![Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century CE Sun Temple at Konark in Orissa, India. It is believed that the temple was built by king Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga Dynasty[2] in 1255 CE.[3] The temple complex is in the shape of a gigantic chariot, having elaborately carved stone wheels, pillars and walls. A major part of the structure is now in ruins. The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site[4] and has also featured on various list of Seven Wonders of India. The temple is 35 km from Puri and 65 km from Bhubaneswar.
The name Konark derives 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.[4]
The monument was also called the Black Pagoda'(Kaala Pagoda) by the European sailors. In contrast, the Jagannath Temple in Puri was called the White Pagoda. Both temples served as important landmarks for the sailors.[5] Konark Sun Temple used Iron beams for its structure.
The temple was originally built at the mouth of the river Chandrabhaga, but the waterline has receded since then. The temple has been built in the form of a giant ornamented chariot of the Sun god, Surya. It has twelve pairs of elaborately carved stone wheels which are 3 meters[4] wide and is pulled by a set of seven horses (4 on the right and 3 on the left).[6] The temple follows the traditional style of Kalinga architecture. It is carefully oriented towards the east so that the first rays of sunrise strikes the principal entrance.[4] The temple is built from Khondalite rocks.[7][8]
The original temple had a main sanctum sanctorum (vimana), which was supposedly 229 feet[6] (70 m) tall. Due to the weight of the superstructure (70 m tall) and weak soil of the area, the main vimana fell in 1837.[9] The audience hall (Jagamohana), which is about 128 feet (39 m) tall, still stands and is the principal structure in the surviving ruins. Among the structures, which have survived to the current day, are the dance hall (Nata mandira) and dining hall (Bhoga mandapa).[4][6]
The Konark temple is also known for its erotic sculptures of maithunas.[10]
Two smaller ruined temples have been discovered nearby. One of them is called the Mayadevi Temple and is located southwest from the entrance of the main temple. It is presumed to have been dedicated to Mayadevi, one of the Sun god's wives. It has been dated to the late 11th century, earlier than the main temple.[11] The other one belongs to some unknown Vaishnava deity. Sculptures of Balarama, Varaha and Trivikrama have been found at the site, indicating it to be a Vaishnavite temple. Both temples have their primary idols missing.
A collection of fallen sculptures can be viewed at the Konark Archaeological Museum which is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6156018/09fea146-89a8-4536-94db-75e3922ba387.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1200&h=500&q=medium)
Photo by Sukanta Maity
Popular airlines to Gop
Air IndiaAir India
IndiGoIndiGo
British AirwaysBritish Airways
Virgin AtlanticVirgin Atlantic
Air FranceAir France
Malaysia AirlinesMalaysia Airlines
LufthansaLufthansa
Be in the know
Get alerts if flight prices drop or rise*
Book smarter
Save up to 45% on select hotels after you book a flight*
How much is the cheapest flight to Gop?
Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at NT$1,185 for one-way flights and NT$2,501 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.
Wed, Nov 5 - Mon, Nov 10
CCU
Kolkata
BBI
Bhubaneshwar
NT$2,501 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
NT$2,501
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Wed, Nov 5 - Mon, Nov 10
CCU
Kolkata
BBI
Bhubaneshwar
NT$2,610 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
NT$2,610
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Wed, Nov 5 - Mon, Nov 10
CCU
Kolkata
BBI
Bhubaneshwar
NT$2,720 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
NT$2,720
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Wed, Nov 5 - Mon, Nov 10
CCU
Kolkata
BBI
Bhubaneshwar
NT$2,830 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
NT$2,830
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Mon, Oct 13 - Wed, Nov 5
HKG
Hong Kong SAR
BBI
Bhubaneshwar
NT$11,340 Roundtrip, found 1 day ago
NT$11,340
Roundtrip
found 1 day ago
Travel information
Destination airport | Biju Patnaik |
Destination airport IATA code | BBI |
Destination city name | Bhubaneshwar |
Roundtrip price | NT$2,500 |
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
Top Flight Destinations In the World
- Flights to Taiwan
- Flights to Japan
- Flights to South Korea
- Flights to Philippines
- Flights to United States of America
- Flights to Thailand
- Flights to Malaysia
- Flights to China
- Flights to Australia
- Flights to Vietnam
- Flights to New Zealand
- Flights to Canada
- Flights to South Africa
- Flights to France
- Flights to Spain
- Flights to Türkiye
- Flights to Germany
- Flights to Italy
- Flights to Russia
- Flights to Switzerland
Top Gop Hotels
Airlines Operating
*Available to Expedia members.