This is Part 7 of Wonders of India, our series on India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Start from Part 1: Taj Mahal or read the previous part, Part 6: Humayun’s Tomb.
On the coast of Odisha stands one of the most ambitious temples ever built: a colossal stone chariot for Surya, the Sun god, pulled by seven horses on 24 intricately carved wheels. Even in ruins, the Konark Sun Temple is breathtaking.
At a glance
- Location: Konark, Puri district, Odisha
- Built: around 1250 CE
- Built by: King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: since 1984
History
Narasimhadeva I built the temple at the height of Eastern Ganga power. It once had a towering main sanctum (deul), believed to have been over 60 metres tall, which collapsed centuries ago. European sailors used the dark tower as a navigation landmark and called it the "Black Pagoda", as opposed to Puri's whitewashed Jagannath Temple, the "White Pagoda". In 1903, the British filled the surviving assembly hall (jagamohana) with sand and sealed it to prevent its collapse; it remains sealed today.
Art and engineering
- The 24 wheels: about 3 metres across, often interpreted as the hours of the day or the fortnights of the year. Several work as accurate sundials.
- Seven horses: representing the days of the week.
- Sculptures: dancers, musicians, animals, daily life, warriors and erotic scenes cover almost every surface.
- Surya images: three statues of the Sun god facing the morning, noon and evening sun.
- Natya Mandapa: the dance hall in front of the temple.
Visiting Konark
- Timings: roughly 6 am to 8 pm, with evening illumination.
- Tickets: around ₹40 for Indian citizens and ₹600 for foreign nationals.
- Getting there: about 65 km from Bhubaneswar and 35 km from Puri; the Puri-Konark Marine Drive is scenic.
- Festival: the Konark Dance Festival in early December features classical dance against the temple backdrop.
Tips
- Visit early morning, when the sun lights up the eastern side, or near sunset.
- Hire an ASI-approved guide to read the wheel sundial and understand the carvings.
- See the ASI museum nearby for sculptures removed from the temple.
Did you know?
A Konark wheel appears on the back of India's ₹10 banknote. Plan your full trip with our Odisha travel guide.
Ticket prices and timings are set by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and can change; online tickets are usually slightly cheaper. Check the ASI website before you visit.
Next in Wonders of India: the Great Living Chola Temples.
