Hello Steemit Friends,
So here i will be telling you about one my trip to Konark Sun Temple. So the journey started from Bhubaneswar around 8 am along with one of my friend in my bike. And no words to describe the road journey as it is one of the best marine drive i ever had. During the travel we come across 2 most beautiful beaches ie Puri beach and chandrabhaga beach. So i made sure to spent some time there too.
First let me tell you somethings about Konark Sun Temple
It is an Architecture Marvel of Eastern India and A symbol of India's heritage, Konark Sun Temple, commonly known as Konark is situated in the eastern state of Odisha (earlier known as Orissa), India and is one of the eminent tourist attractions. Konark houses a massive temple dedicated to the Sun God. The word 'Konark' is a combination of two words 'Kona' and 'Arka'. 'Kona' means 'Corner' and 'Arka' means 'Sun', so when combines it becomes 'Sun of the Corner'. Konark Sun Temple is situated on the north eastern corner of Puri and is dedicated to Sun God. Konark is also known as Arka khetra. This Temple has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Sun Temple of Konark, built in the middle of 13th century, is a massive conception of artistic magnificence and engineering dexterity. King Narasimhadeva I, the great ruler of the Ganga dynasty had built this temple, with the help of 1200 artisans within a period of 12 years (1243-1255 A.D.). Since the ruler used to worship the Sun, the temple was considered as a chariot for the Sun God. Konark Temple was designed in the form of a gorgeously decorated chariot mounted on 24 wheels , each about 10 feet in diameter, and drawn by 7 mighty horses. It is really difficult to understand, how this huge temple, every inch-space of which was so wonderfully carved, could have been completed within such a short time. Whatever that might be, the konark temple even in its present ruined state, still a wonder to the whole world. Great poet Rabindranath Tagore wrote of Konark: "here the language of stone surpasses the language of man."
Purpose of Building Konark at this Place
The beauty of the Sun-rise and the roaring voice of the sea charmed Narasimhadeva since his early life. The river chandrabhaga which is now dead, was once flowing within a mile to the north of the temple site and was joining the sea. On its banks, existed flourishing towns and important trading centres. Trade was carried on with foreign countries as well, by sea routes, as there was no better communication other than the river in those days.
Narasimhadeva had preferred the place for his proposed temple, for not only enabling him to bring his building meterials from different places by the said river, but the sanctity of the was also considered by him. In this connection there is an interesting legend which says that, once Samba, the son of Sri Krishna, incurred the displeasure of Narada. Who revenged himself by getting Samba afflicted with leprosy.Ultimately, when Samba, was found innocent, he was advised to practice penance in the Maitreyi forest for 12 years, to please Surya(Sun God) to cure him of his disease. He acted accordingly and after the prescribed period the Sun appeared before him and asked to recite the twenty-one different names of the deity. Next morning when Samba was taking his bath in chandrabhaga, his hands came in contact with something in the water. He immediately lifted it up and saw an image of Surya (Sun God) standing on a lotus pedestal, holding two lotuses in his both hands. He carried the image to his Ashrama (hermitage) and installed it in a temple, built by him. Samba was however completely cured, after sometime, by worshipping the deity.
What's most fascinating about this Temple?
So one of the most fascinating things of this temple was that the sun idol was suspended in the air as there were magnets used in the construction. So when you entered the main temple, you’d see a tall idol in mid-air. For years, it was a mystery as to how this happened. People did not realize it was the magnetic field from all four sides that made this happen. But this also led to the removing of the idol. It is believed that this magnetic field affected the compass navigation for sailors and when they were invading India, they ordered the magnets to be removed. Thus, the idol could no longer be suspended in air. Today, tourists aren’t allowed to go in the main chamber as it has been sealed.
What remains today are a few structures, an open air dance hall and the dining hall. The Konark Dance Festival that is held annually takes place close to the temple at a strategic location so that the temple makes for a backdrop of the festival.
Mystery behind how it got DEMOLISHED?
It is said when the Portuguese came to India for trade by their ships there compass use to malfunction because of the effect of the magnet and their ship used to hit the rocks and get destroyed. So to solve this problem the portages decided to remove the magnet and destroy it so that their ships don’t get affected anymore. Because the magnet was an integral part of the temple and was the reason behind the stability of the structure after it was removed the structure collapsed. Some contrarian view also says that it got destroyed because of earthquake or lightning but there is no solid proof of it.
The Wheel
The temple was designed in the shape of a huge chariot drawn by 7 mighty spirited horses on 12 pairs (total 24 wheels) of gorgeously decorated wheels at its base. The size of the wheel is of 9 feet 9 inches in diameter and each one of them having 8 wider spokes and 8 thinner spokes.Out of these 24 wheels 6 are in either side of the main temple, 4 wheels are on each side of the Mukhasala and 2 wheels on each side of steps at eastern front.
Various theories have been advocated regarding the significance of Konark wheel. According to some, the 7 horses represent the days of the week and the 12 pairs of wheels represent the 12 months of the year and the 24 wheels signifies 24 hours of a day and the 8 major spokes signifies prahars (three hour period) of a day. According to others, the wheels of the chariot have been interpreted as the 'Wheel of Life'. They portray the cycle of creation, preservation and achievement of realisation. These 12 pairs of wheels may also possibly represent the 12 zodiac signs. Some also believe that the Wheel of Konark is the same as the Dharmachakra of the Buddhists - The Wheel of Karma, The Wheel of the Law. If you hire a guide during your visit Konark Temple then they will explain you similar theories.
So How to reach Konark Sun Temple?
It is about 42 miles from Bhubaneswar Airport,India. And from Bhubaneswar it is well connected through roads. So you can either take a cab or a bus to reach Konark. At most it will take 1 hours and 30 minutes from Bhubaneswar. If you have to plan to visit Konark to see its beautiful sculpture i will be happy to help as i stay in Bhubaneswar. Don't worry i will not be charging you anything for that haha.