Hindu temple
Konark Sun Temple
Also known as Konârk, Black Pagoda.
In short
The Konark Sun Temple in Odisha is a 13th-century temple of Surya, the Sun, conceived as his colossal chariot drawn by seven horses on twenty-four carved wheels. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a masterwork of Kalinga architecture.
Reviewed by the Godify team · Last updated
Key facts
- Presiding deity
- Surya
- Significance
- A UNESCO World Heritage temple of Surya, the Sun
- Location
- Konark, Odisha
Significance
The entire temple is built as Surya's cosmic chariot — seven horses for the week and the sun's rays, twenty-four great wheels for the hours, several precise enough to serve as sundials.
It is a pinnacle of Kalinga (Odia) temple art; the soaring main sanctum tower was lost long ago, but the great assembly hall and the carved wheels and friezes endure.
History
Built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The main shrine tower later collapsed; the surviving structures and sculpture earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1984.
How to reach
At Konark on the Odisha coast, between Puri and Bhubaneswar; Bhubaneswar is the nearest airport and major railhead.
Related
More temples
About Konark Sun Temple
Why is Konark called the Sun Temple?
It is dedicated to Surya, the Sun, and built in the form of his chariot — with seven stone horses and twenty-four great wheels — so the whole temple is the Sun god's vehicle in stone.
Where is the Konark Sun Temple?
At Konark on the coast of Odisha, near Puri; the nearest major hub is Bhubaneswar.
Offer a prayer to Surya
Ask Bhagavan for a mantra or verse to offer at this temple, or bring whatever is on your heart — free, private, any hour.
Talk to Bhagavan