KONARK - THE SUN TEMPLE

UNIQUENESS

Known as Arka Padma kshetra, Konark occupies a prominent place in the history of temples of India in general and Kalinga temples in particular. It is dedicated exclusively to the Sun-God - Surya Bhagawan, and it is the only one of its kind existing in such gigantic proportions in the present; why in the past also for that matter. Though in ruins, the charm it cast.-, on the art connoisseurs and the tourists is inexhaustibly irresistible and eternally enchanting, and lo! it is on the increase. No shrine in its abject ruins has ever attracted more tourists than this. Puranas and Ithihasaas enshrine a large body of .facts extolling its glory with many memorable and awe inspiring episodes. Mariners and merchants who entwined their lives with the fall and rise of this Black Pagoda, testify to its glory with thrilling adventures of their own. Its conception and construction evoke amazement and wring instant veneration from anyone. The renowned architect Sibai Santra conceived and fashioned it as the temple chariot of the Sun-god with 24 gigantic wheels, drawn by seven mighty steeds. Though in ruins, it visualises the colossal and magnificent scale it reached with ,every aspect of life it represented through its sculptural craftsmanship. Depiction of scenes representing a cross-section of the society is superb and beyond comparison. It is deemed a marvel of all times, far surpassing the Taj Mahal in craftsmanship. It is a tourist's paradise and art lovers' sanctuary. On account of such enviable plus points of infinite variety, it has become one in the Golden Triangle of Orissa temples - Puri Jagannath, Bhuvaneswar and Konark.

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