The Konark Sun Temple is dedicated to Surya Dev (the Sun God) and is famous worldwide. Every year, a large number of devotees and tourists from across the country and the world visit Konark to see the temple and offer prayers to the Sun God.
In 1984, UNESCO recognized the Konark Sun Temple as a World Heritage Site.
The temple was built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. It was designed by the chief architect, Bisu Maharana, along with a team of skilled artisans. However, there is a disagreement among historians regarding its construction. Some experts believe that King Narasimhadeva I built the temple, while others argue that it remained unfinished after his death. Some also believe that his death led to the temple’s current ruined state, but there is no strong evidence to confirm this claim.
Apart from historical records, ancient legends tell a different story. According to Hindu mythology, the temple was originally built by Samba, the son of Lord Krishna. These myths add to the mystery and spiritual significance of the temple.
According to experts, the Konark Sun Temple was constructed in 1260 AD, while King Narasimhadeva ruled until 1282 AD.
The Curse, Redemption, and the Birth of Konark Sun Temple (Story 1)
The waves of the Chandrabhaga River danced under the golden light of the setting sun, whispering secrets of an age-old tale. This was the land where Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, had once walked in suffering and redemption. His story, woven with vanity, curse, penance, and divine grace, gave birth to one of India’s most awe-inspiring temples the Konark Sun Temple.
Samba was the most handsome prince in Dwaraka. His flawless skin, sharp features, and charm made everyone admire him. But his beauty made him arrogant. He believed he was better than everyone, even the gods.
The wise sage Narada, who loved to test people’s pride, decided to play a trick on Samba. One day, he told him,
“Samba, you are the most handsome man in the world. But do you think even your father’s wives can resist your charm?”
Blinded by pride, Samba took it as a challenge. Without thinking, he entered Krishna’s private garden, where his wives were bathing. But Krishna saw everything.
His anger shook the heavens. In a thunderous voice, he said,
“You have done something unforgivable! Because of your arrogance, I curse you with leprosy. Your beauty will fade, and you will suffer for the rest of your life.”
Samba fell to his knees. His once-glowing skin had already started to show signs of disease. He begged Krishna to forgive him, but the curse could not be taken back.
Samba was once a handsome and strong man, but his body became covered in sores due to a terrible disease. Desperate for a cure, he traveled far and wide, seeking help from saints and wise men. Finally, he was told,
“Only Surya, the Sun God, can heal you. Go to the Chandrabhaga River and worship him with full devotion.”
Samba followed this advice and reached the sacred river. He stood in its waters for twelve years, praying and meditating on Surya. The burning sun hurt his skin during the day, and the cold winds tormented him at night, but he never gave up. His faith only grew stronger.
One morning, as the first rays of sunlight touched the river, a bright golden figure appeared in the sky Surya himself had come. His voice echoed powerfully,
“Samba, your devotion has pleased me. Your suffering ends today.”
In an instant, Samba’s sores disappeared, and his skin became healthier than ever before. Overwhelmed with gratitude, he bowed before Surya.
The Birth of a Temple
Samba wanted to thank Surya in the grandest way possible. He asked,
“How can I repay your kindness?”
Surya smiled and said,
“Build a temple in my honor, one that will stand for centuries as a beacon of light and healing.”
Inspired, Samba gathered the best architects and artisans of his time. On the land where he had once suffered, he built the Konark Sun Temple. The temple was designed as a massive chariot of Surya, with 12 large wheels and seven galloping horses. Every part of the temple was covered in beautiful carvings stories of gods, celestial dancers, and the cycle of life.
People say that the idol of Surya inside the temple was so powerful that its magnetic energy could pull ships towards the shore.
The King Who Built a Temple for His Mother (Story 2)
A long time ago, in the 13th century, there was a kind and devoted king named Narasimhadeva I from the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. His mother, Queen Shyama Devi, was old and spent most of her time praying. One evening, while watching the sunset, the king gently asked her,
“Mother, what is your biggest wish?”
She smiled and said, “I wish I could see the Sun God rise from my bed every morning.”
The king loved his mother dearly. He promised to make her wish come true.
He called the best architects and workers and told them to build a grand temple where the first rays of the sun would shine directly on the idol of the Sun God. The workers spent many years carving the temple from stone near the Chandrabhaga River.
Finally, in 1250 AD, the Konark Sun Temple was completed. On the first morning, as the sun rose, its golden light touched the temple and shone on the Sun God’s idol.
King Narasimhadeva took his mother to her room, and as she lay on her bed, she saw the beautiful sunrise just as she had wished. Tears of happiness filled her eyes.
“My son, you have given me the greatest gift,” she said.
The Konark Sun Temple became a symbol of a son’s love and devotion for his mother. Even today, it stands as a reminder of this beautiful story.
The Young Prince’s Sacrifice (Story 3)
In the 13th century, King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty wanted to build the grandest temple ever dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. He gathered the best architects and craftsmen, led by the great architect Bisu Maharana, to create a masterpiece near the Chandrabhaga River.
The temple took twelve years to build, and everything was nearly complete except for the crown stone (kalash) at the top. No one could figure out how to place it, and the deadline set by the king was approaching. If the temple remained incomplete, the king might punish the workers.
At that time, Dharma, the twelve-year-old son of Bisu Maharana, came to visit the site. He had never seen the temple before, as his father had left home when he was a baby to work on it. When Dharma arrived, he saw the worried workers and heard about their problem.
Using his brilliant mind, Dharma studied the temple’s design and quickly found a solution. With his knowledge of architecture, he successfully placed the final crown stone at the top of the temple. The temple was now complete!
However, the workers were afraid. If the king learned that a young boy had solved a problem that his finest craftsmen could not, he might punish them all.
Realizing this, Dharma made a heartbreaking decision. To protect workers from his father, he jumped from the temple’s top into the river below, sacrificing himself.
When the king saw the completed temple, he was overjoyed. But when he learned about Dharma’s sacrifice, he was deeply saddened. The story of the young prince’s bravery and selflessness became a legend, and even today, people remember the Konark Sun Temple as a symbol of devotion, sacrifice, and genius.
The Missing Magnetic Idol & Floating Idol Mystery
India has many temples with amazing stories, and two of the most mysterious ones are about idols that either floated in the air or disappeared without a trace. These stories have been passed down for generations, and while some people believe they are true, scientists have tried to explain them logically.
The Missing Magnetic Idol of Konark Sun Temple
One of the most famous mysteries is linked to the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha. It is said that the temple once had a floating idol of the Sun God, which was kept in the air by strong magnetic forces. According to local legends, the temple had two powerful magnets one on top and another beneath the idol. These magnets created a force that made the idol float in the air, leaving visitors in awe.
However, something strange happened. People say that Portuguese sailors who passed by the temple noticed that their ship’s compass was not working properly. They believed the temple’s top magnet was causing the problem, so they removed it. Once the magnet was taken away, the balance was lost, and the idol fell down and disappeared forever. Some say it was stolen, while others believe it fell into the sea. But to this day, no one knows where it went, making it one of the biggest mysteries of Indian temples.
The Floating Stone Idols in India
Apart from Konark, there are many stories of floating idols and stones in different parts of India. For example, in Varanasi, there is a temple where people believe Shiva’s idol slightly floats above the ground because of divine energy. Similarly, the floating stones of Rameswaram are famous because they were used to build the Ram Setu bridge. These stones are said to never sink, even though they look heavy. Many people believe they were blessed by Lord Rama himself.
Scientific Explanation
Science has tried to explain these mysteries in different ways. The idea that magnets were used in temple construction is not impossible. Ancient Indian builders were very smart and knew how to use iron-rich stones to create magnetic effects. If the floating idol in Konark really existed, it is possible that it was made of a material that reacted to these magnetic forces, making it appear as if it was floating.
For the floating stones of Rameswaram, some scientists believe they are made of pumice, a type of volcanic rock that has tiny air pockets, making it float in water. However, this does not fully explain why some of these stones never sink, leaving room for mystery.
Konark Sun Temple
The Konark Sun Temple is located in the city of Konark, about 35 kilometers from Jagannath Puri in the Odisha state of India. The temple was built in the Kalinga architectural style using sandstone and granite.
The name Konark comes from two words: “Kon” (corner) and “Ark” (Sun), meaning “Corner of the Sun”. In this temple, Surya Dev (the Sun God) is depicted riding a chariot.
The temple is designed in such a way that the first rays of the sun fall directly on its entrance. Its structure resembles a giant chariot.
Why is the Konark Sun Temple Special?
The Konark Sun Temple functions as a giant sundial, allowing people to measure time with remarkable accuracy. This is possible due to the 12 pairs of intricately carved stone wheels on the temple’s structure.
Hw Does the Konark Sun Temple Work as a Watch?
- The Temple’s Wheels as Sundials:
- Each wheel of the temple acts as a sundial.
- The spokes of the wheels cast shadows when sunlight falls on them, helping to determine the time of day.
- Measuring Time Using Shadows:
- The temple has 24 wheels, symbolizing 24 hours of a day.
- The eight major spokes of each wheel divide a day into eight prahars (three-hour segments), following the ancient Indian time system.
- By observing the position of the shadow cast by the sun on the wheels, one can determine the exact time of day.
- Sunlight Alignment at Different Times:
- The temple’s structure was designed in such a way that the first rays of the morning sun would fall directly on the temple’s main entrance and travel inward.
- As the sun moves across the sky, the shadows shift, aligning with the intricate markings on the wheels, allowing people to track time without any mechanical clock.
- Precision and Architectural Genius:
- The carvings on the wheels include detailed minute divisions, which suggest that people could measure time down to minutes and seconds with astonishing accuracy.
- This reflects the advanced astronomical and engineering knowledge of ancient Indian architects.
The Konark Sun Temple is not just an artistic masterpiece but also a functional timekeeping device, showcasing the brilliance of ancient Indian science and architecture.
Historical Accounts of Destruction:
- Kalapahada’s Invasion (1568 CE): Kalapahada, a general of the Sultan of Bengal, is believed to have attacked Odisha in 1568. During this invasion, he reportedly damaged several Hindu temples, including the Konark Sun Temple. This event is considered a significant factor in the temple’s decline.
- Portuguese Intervention (17th Century): Another theory suggests that Portuguese sailors, intrigued by the temple’s magnetic properties, attempted to remove a massive magnet believed to be at its apex. This act purportedly led to structural imbalances, causing parts of the temple to collapse. However, this account lacks substantial historical evidence and is often regarded as a legend.
- Natural Decay: Some historians argue that natural factors, such as the erosion of the khondalite stones used in construction, contributed to the temple’s deterioration. Exposure to the saline coastal climate and the passage of time may have led to significant wear and tear.
The Closed Doors and Hidden Secrets
For over 118 years, the doors of the Konark Sun Temple have remained sealed, sparking countless theories about what might be hidden behind them. Local legends suggest that the closure followed a series of events, including the removal of the temple’s lodestone, which some believe led to its gradual decline. The mystery surrounding these locked chambers has fueled speculation about concealed treasures or sacred relics left behind when the temple was abandoned. Despite several attempts to uncover the truth, what lies beyond these doors remains unknown.
Visiting Konark Sun Temple
Best Time to Visit: The most favorable time to explore the Konark Sun Temple is between October and March, when the weather is cool and comfortable. Visiting in December is particularly special, as the annual Konark Dance Festival brings the temple to life with mesmerizing performances of Indian classical dance in its grand surroundings.
Getting There:
By Road: Konark has good road connectivity, making it accessible by cabs and buses from Bhubaneswar and nearby cities.
By Air: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar, located about 65 km away. Visitors can easily hire taxis or use other transport services to reach Konark.
By Train: The closest railway station is in Puri, around 30 km from Konark. Regular trains operate between Bhubaneswar and Puri, from where taxis and buses are available for onward travel.
Conclusion
The Konark Sun Temple is a stunning example of ancient India’s architectural and artistic brilliance. Its detailed carvings, impressive structure, and unique alignment with the Sun make it a true masterpiece. The temple’s mysteries such as its unfinished construction, rumored magnetic powers, and legendary stories only add to its charm. Although the exact reasons behind its destruction and the secrets hidden behind its closed doors remain unknown, the temple continues to fascinate visitors and historians alike. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Konark Sun Temple stands as a proud symbol of India’s rich history and culture, inspiring all who visit to admire its beauty and unravel its secrets.
