A small town in Orissa, Konark is of epic importance with regard to Hindu temple architecture.
Located at a distance of 65 kilometers from Bhubaneshwar, Konark is an important tourist stop on the East India Golden Triangle tour circuit. A designated World Heritage Site - Konark is famous for the ancient Sun Temple.
The profusely carved walls of the Sun Temple blend seamlessly into the timeless appeal of sea sands. Konark is also the site of an annual Dance Festival and the Magha Saptami celebrations.
The shores of Konark are considered as sacred by Hindu devotees who travel from far and wide to get an opportunity to bathe in the waters of the Bay of Bengal.
History
The history of Konark is entwined with the history of the Sun Temple that was constructed sometime in the 13th century by Narasimha Deva, a ruler of the Ganga Dynasty. A very popular legend is associated with the history of this spectacular shrine according to which the leprosy affected son of Lord Krishna did a long penance on the shores of Konark as a result of which the Sun God blessed and cured him.
Tourist Attractions
The Sun Temple in Konark is undoubtedly the most important tourist attraction in the region. A colossal stone Chariot drawn by seven sculpted horses forms the Sun Temple. The idea was to depict the Sun God on his 24-hour tour of Earth that begins from the East to the West.
The Konark Beach another important tourist destination. A peaceful retreat where you can watch nature at her charming best as seawaters romance soft sand shores.
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