Konark Surya Mandir Odisha – Guide
The Konark Surya Mandir is located at Konark, about 35 km northeast of Puri, on the coast of Odisha, India. It is a huge temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Surya and is one of the major tourist places in India.
Konark is made up of two words angle and extract. Where Kona means corner and Arka means Sun. When both are combined, it is called the corner of the Sun i.e., Konark. Odisha Konark Surya Mandir is also known as Black Pagoda because the high tower of the temple appears black. The Sun Temple of Konark has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1984.
History of this Temple
Based on Brahmin beliefs, Odisha Konark Surya Mandir was built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I (1238–1250 CE) of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty and was dedicated to the sun god Surya. According to legend, Lord Krishna’s son Samba was cursed with leprosy. Suryadev, who was the destroyer of all diseases, also got rid of this disease. Samba then built the Konark Sun Temple to honour the Sun God, who had cured him of his leprosy.
This temple is made of red sandstone and black granite stones. The entire temple site is built with twelve pairs of wheels pulled by seven horses, in which the Sun God is shown seated.
Odisha Konark Surya Mandir Timings
Odisha Konark Surya Mandir opens from 10:00 AM in the morning to 5:00 PM in the evening.
| Saturday | 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM, Aarti: 10:30 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM, Aarti: 10:30 PM |
| Monday | 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM, Aarti: 10:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM, Aarti: 10:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM, Aarti: 10:30 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM, Aarti: 10:30 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM, Aarti: 10:30 PM |
Places to visit near this Temple
Chandrabhaga Beach
A clean and pristine beach where one can take a leisurely walk and enjoy the sunrise and sunset, Konark beach is considered one of the best on the east coast.
ASI Museum
The ASI Museum is located outside the Sun Temple and houses some unique artefacts that reflect the essence of Oriya art. The museum houses 250 different types of antiquities obtained from the Sun Temple.
Astaranga Beach
Located at a distance of 60 kms from Puri and 34 kms from Konark in Odisha, Astaranga Beach is a delight to the eyes and mind alike. At sunset the beach environment suddenly becomes ten times more enjoyable.
Konark Dance Festival
The Konark Dance Festival is an event held annually in Odisha against the backdrop of the exquisite Konark Sun Temple.
Also Read: Padampura Jain Mandir, Timings, History, Travel Guide, and How to reach
How to reach Odisha Konark Surya Mandir
By Air- The nearest airport from Odisha Konark Surya Mandir is Bhubaneshwar airport which is at a distance of 65 km from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.
By Train- The nearest railway station from Odisha Konark Surya Mandir is Puri railway station which is at a distance of 35 km from this temple. From here you can easily reach this temple by using local transport services or taxi.
By Road- Roads to this temple are well connected with the other cities of the country so you can easily reach this temple by using your own vehicle or by any public buses or taxi from any part of the country.
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