The
crowning glory of Oriya temple architecture, the 13th century Sun temple
also known as ' the Black Pagoda', comes with a baggage of centuries - old
myths and legends. Legends say that Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, was
afflicted by leprosy, brought about by his father's curse on him. After 12
years of penance, he was cured by Surya, the Sun God, in whose honour he
built this temple.
The Sun Temple
Built by Raja
Narsimhadeva of the Ganga dynasty, in the 13th century AD, the temple is a
pageant of human grandeur, in its perception, and in the execution of even
the finest details. It resembles a colossal chariot, with 24 wheels,
pulled by seven straining horses, and has a three-tiered pyramidal roof
topped off by a fine spire. The Sun - God's chariot, also represents the
seven days of the week, and the 24 hours of the day, in its concept. The
temple is a brilliant chronicle in stone, with impressive sculptures.
Every aspect of life is represented here, and the erotic imagery, depicts
the sublimation of human love manifested in countless forms. Scenes from
court, civic life and war are also done with great precision.
Unlike
the other temples of the Bhubaneswar-Konark-Puri region, the Konark temple
had two smaller outer halls, completely separate from the main structure.
The assembly-hall and the tower were built on an imposing platform, which
were carved into meticulously crafted twelve pairs of decorated wheels,
each 10 feet in diameter. The entrance is reached by a broad flight of
steps, flanked on either side by prancing horses, the whole representing
the chariot, in which the Sun-God rides across the heavens. The court of
the temple, was decorated with large free-standing sculptures of great
strength and beauty. Now protected under the World Heritage List, the
temple's interior was filled - up in 1903 A.D., by the then British Lt.
Governor of Bengal, to save it from deterioration.
Festivals
The
Chandrabhaga Mela or Magha Saptami mela in the month of February, is a
grand religious festival. Thousands of pilgrims converge on the pool, on
this day to take a holy dip in its curative waters, and then shuffle off
to the beach where, in accordance with an age-old custom mentioned in the
puranas, they watch the sun rise over the sea. The event is
followed by the puja of the Navagraha.
Those interested
in attending the Konark Dance Festival, held in the Open air Auditorium
north of the Sun Temple, should visit during the first week of December.
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