Konark Sun Temple

Abodes of Surya
Temples of Orissa

Konark is one of the well known tourist attractions of Orissa. Konark, Konark houses a
colossal temple dedicated to the Sun God. Even in its ruined state it is a magnificient temple
reflecting the genius of the architects that envisioned and built it. Bhubaneshwar, Konark
and Puri constitute the Golden triangle of Orissa, visited in large numbers by pilgrims and
tourists.

Konark is also known as Konaditya. The name Konark is derived form the words Kona -
Corner and Arka - Sun; it is situated on the north eastern corner of Puri or the
Chakrakshetra. Konark is also known as Arkakshetra.

This temple built in 1278 CE by the Ganga King Narasimha Deva is one of the grandest
temples of India and was referred to as the Black Pagoda. The ruins of this temple were
excavated in late 19th century. The tower over the Garbagriha is missing, however the
Jagmohana is intact, and even in this state, it is awe inspiring.

Legend has it that Samba, the king of Krishna and Jambavati entered the bathing chamber of
Krishna's wifes, and was cursed by Krishna with leprosy. It was decreed that he would be
relieved of the curse by worshipping the sun God on the sea coast north east of Puri.
Accordingly Samba reached Konaditya Kshetra and discovered an image of Surya seated on
the lotus, worshipped him and was relieved of his curse.

It is said that the temple was not completed as conceived because the foundation was not
strong enough to bear the weight of the heavy dome. Local beleif has it that it was
constructed in entirety, however its magnetic dome caused ships to crash near the seashore,
and that the dome was removed and destroyed and that the image of the Sun God was taken
to Puri.

The Temple: The Konark temple is widely known not only for its architectural grandeur but
also for the intricacy and profusion of sculptural work. The entire temple has been conceived
as a chariot of the sun god with 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, with a set of
spokes and elaborate carvings. Seven horses drag the temple. Two lions guard the entrance,
crushing elephants. A flight of steps lead to the main entrance.

The nata mandir in front of the Jagamohana is also intricately carved. Around the base of
the temple, and up the walls and roof, are carvings in the erotic style. There are images of
animals, foliage, men, warriors on horses and other interesting patterns. There are three
images of the Sun God, positioned to catch the rays of the sun at dawn, noon and sunset.

The Melakkadambur Shiva temple, built in the form of a chariot during the age of
Kulottunga Chola I (1075-1120), is the earliest of this kind, and is still in a well preserved
state. It is believed that this temple set the pace for the ratha (chariot) vimana temples in
India, as a distant descendant of Kulottunga I on the female line, and thefamous Eastern
Ganga ruler Narasimha Deva, built the Sun Temple at Konark in the form of a chariot in the
13th century. Kulottunga Chola is also credited with having built the Suryanaar temple near
Kumbhakonam. Temples dedicated to the Sun are not a common feature in the Tamil
speaking region of the Indian subcontinent.

Lingaraj Temple
Founded In: Eleventh century
Dedicated to: Lord Shiva (Lord Lingaraja)

Lingaraj temple is one of the most popular

temples of Orissa. The temple is dedicated to
Lord Shiva, also known as ‘Lingaraj’. It is
adorned with beautiful sculptures, which have
been carved on the spire. Lingaraja temple is
approximately 54.8 metres high and enshrines
a huge statue of Lord Shiva, made up of
granite. The idol is 8 feet in diameter and is
placed on a platform that is about 8 inches above ground. The deity is bathed everyday
with water, milk and bhang (marijuana).

Lingaraj temple of Bhubaneswar is believed to date back to the later half of eleventh
century. However, some people are of the belief that, some parts of the temple have been
there since the sixth century. It is also said that the temple was constructed by Jajati
Keshari, the SomaVanshi King. However, there are no historical records to authenticate
the claim. The high walls of Lingaraja temple, that have been made by using solid red
sandstones, lend it the look of a fortress, when viewed from outside.

On the eastern side of the temple, lies its solitary entrance point, which is commonly
known as the ‘Simhadwara’ or the ‘Lions' Gate’. One of the oldest temples of
Bhubaneshwar, Lingaraja has 150 smaller shrines inside its huge courtyard. Lingaraj
temple is basically made up of four parts, namely the main temple, the 'Yajna Shala', the
'Bhoga Mandap' and the 'Natya Shala'. Along with Lord Shiva, it also enshrines Lord
Vishnu, in the form of Saligramam idol. The main gates of the temple have Lord Shiva’s
Trishul on one side and Lord Vishnu’s Chakra on the other.

Hotels in Bhubaneswar

Jagannath Temple (Puri)

Jagannath Temple Puri - The land of Lord Jagannath, meaning 'Lord of Universe', is
one of the most sacred pilgrimage spots in India. One of the four divine abodes lying on
four directions of the compass; The

Jagannath temple in Puri was built approximately 12th Century AD by King Chodaganga
of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The completion was later brought about by his descendant,
Anangabhima Deva, during the 12th century.

One of the most revered of all temples of Lord Vishnu in eastern India, the Jagannath
Temple was built in the classical temple building phase. Protected by two surrounding
walls, the conical tower of the temple is 58 mts high on which the flag and the wheel of
Lord Vishnu can be seen.

Dedicated to Krishna, Balabhadra and Subhadra, the temple has these three as principal
deities. Similar to the Lingaraja temple in Bhubaneshwar, this temple is also close for
Non-Hindus who contend themselves by just viewing it from outside its precincts.

Mahaprasada

Maha-prasada is pure vegetarian spiritual food offered to Lord Jagannath. Just by eating
this mahaprasada one makes great spiritual advancement. Everyday, 56 varieties of
prasada are offered to Lord Jagannath. The preparations are made traditionally and no
onion, garlic, chillies or many varieties of vegetables (considered alien) are not used.

These offerings, after being made to Lord Jagannath, are then offered to Goddess Bimala
Devi in the temple precincts which then becomes Mahaprasadam. This Mahaprasadam is
considered very efficacious for spiritual liberation. One should respectfully honor the
Mahaprasadam sitting on the floor. This Mahaprasadam is available daily after 3-5 pm.
This is sold outside the sanctorum area but within the temple premises. The
Mahaprasadam remains hot for a long time as it is kept in the same earthen pots which
are used to cook it.

Normally, mahaprasadam means a few small pots of vegetables, dhal, and a pot of rice
ten times the size of the small pots.

Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves

Udayagiri & Khandagiri Caves One of the earliest groups of Jain rock-cut shelters, the
caves of Udayagiri (Hill of Sunrise) and Khandagiri (Broken Hills) command a unique
position in the filed of history, rock-cut architecture, art and religion. The two hills rise
abruptly from the coastal plain, about six km west of Bhubaneswar, separated by a
highway.

Called lena, in the inscriptions, the caves of Udayagiri and Khandagin are essentially
dwelling retreats or cells of the Jain ascetics, opening directly into the verandah or the
open space in front. Mostly excavated near the top of the ledge or boulder, they simply
provided dry shelter for meditation and prayer, with very little amenities even for small
comforts. The height being too low, does not allow a man to stand erect.
Each cell was tenanted by several monks. The cells are austerely plain, but their facades
are encrusted with sculptures depicting auspicious objects worshipped by Jains, court
scenes, royal processions, hunting expeditions and scenes of daily life. The austere later
additions, when Jainism no longer enjoyed royal patronage in this part, show 24 Jain
tirthankars. At present, all the important caves have been numbered for to avoid
confusion in nomenclature.

Udayagiri

From Bhubaneswar, Udayagiri is the hill on the right and access to its 18 caves is
provided by a flight of steps. The largest and the most beautiful, Cave 1, Rani Gumpha
or Queen's Cave, off the pain path to the right is double storeyed. Excavated on three
sides of a quadrangle with fine wall friezes and some recently restored pillars, not exactly
architectural marvel, but has some beautiful sculptures.

The right wing of the lower storey consists of a single cell with three entrances and a
pillared varandah. On the walls, flanking the terminal pilasters of the verandah, are
carved two dwara palas (sentries). The pilasters of entrances to the cell are embellished
with side pilasters crowned by animals. Over them there are toranas (arches) relieved
with religious and royal scenes-couple standing reverentially with folded hands, a female
dancer with accompanying female musicians, etc.

The main central wing, consisting of four cells, has themes apparently indicating victory
march of a king, starting from his capital and returning back after passing through various
lands. At the angles, where the right and left wings meet, are two small guard rooms
which are lavishly decorated-springs cascading down the hills, fruits laden trees, wild
animals, sporting elephants in lotus pools, etc.

In the better preserved Upper Storey there are six cells, one each in the left and right
wings and four in the rear. All the four cells of the main wing are provided with two
doorways each, flanked by two pilasters, from which springs a ornately carved torana
(arch) with auspicious Jain symbols (snake and lotus), and friezes depicting scenes laid in
wild surroundings story reminiscent of Dushyanta's first meeting with Sakuntala, a dance
performance for the royal couple, etc.