KONARK - THE SUN TEMPLE

This architectural marvel with unusual dimensions ranking very high among the uniques, fell to the fury of Kalapahad, the Muslim ruler of Bengal in 1568. Alas! its glory departed with the displacement of the arch-stone and the mutilation of all the art treasures, embellishing every inch of that grand structure. Later, earthquakes and lightning's erased its remaining beauty, leaving a few tall and remarkable portions to tell its sad tale to the world. The havoc caused by a terrible cyclone in 1848 completely buried its unearthly glory in the sand dunes.

Nay, its fall, started, according to certain versions, immediately after installing the Kalasa atop the pyramidal roof. It is reported that certain columns of that great structure crumbled due to the excessive weight of the massive slabs, forming the roof without adequate strong support from below. Anyway, the ruthlessness of the Muslim invader caused irrevocably irreparable damage to that superb art piece. Touched at its plight, Narasinga Dev, the king of Khurda did invaluable service to the theist., by removing the deity of Sun-god along with the Anur Pillar to Puri in 1638 and installing them in the temple. They are being, worshipped with great fervour. Consoling the grief-stricken sightseeing enthusiasts thus, the guide takes them to other numerous places of interest, lying in the vicinity of this medieval monument of remarkable craftsmanship.

It lies in the state of Orissa, 34 km off Puri.

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