Konark Sun Temple

Two huge statues of a lion flanked both sides of the main steps to the hall. The lions were pouncing on an elephant that had a man under its trunk . The roof of this hall was missing. This portion of the temple was used both for offerings and dance. I was sure about the dance because all the pillars were carved with dancers and musicians.

L-R: Me at the Sun Temple/Jagamohan

Coming from Puri, we reached the Konark Sun Temple at sunset where it is best viewed and it is quite crowded that time. The temple compound had blooming garden of colorful flowers and huge trees everywhere. Tourists started to fill in when the sky had turned into dusk. 

From top of the Bhogamandap, I could see the main temple of the Konark Temple complex. Later on I came to know that it was not the main temple, it was Jagamohan. It was the portion of the temple where devotees used to assemble for devotional songs. It stands on a high platform. It is the only preserved structure in the complex.

The front door of the Jagamohan was carved fantastically. The Sun Temple of Konark was designed as a chariot drawn by seven horses it is quite similar to Hampi’s stone chariot. The twelve pairs of magnificently carved wheels represent the twelve months of the year. Huge scaffolding was erected on its sides as the temple was undergoing restoration and renovation.

Beautiful ornate sculptures on carved on the Jagamohan.

Chariot wheel.

Photography and text by Author unless otherwise stated. All rights reserved.

 

Puri, Odisha

City of Jagannath, Puri, is situated some 60 kilometers south of Bhubaneswar, the City of Temples. It took us about an hour journey to reach Puri by road from Bhubaneswar. We took a local bus for 40 Rs each. Taking a taxi can cost around 1000 Rs.

Here is an image of the Lord Jagganath. Isn’t he cute? Just like a cartoon character.

Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Tantric sculptures.

Roof of a temple.

A vehicle full of Lingaraj devotees.

Bindu Sagar.

Intricately carved stonewalls of a temple

Lingaraj temple: Non-Hindus are not allowed in the temple, and thus from experiencing the complex and intriguing rituals of this temple, like the daily ceremony of bathing the lingain milk and feeding it rice, curries, bananas, coconuts, sweets, and a bhang (marijuana beverage). From the small, raised platform 100 yards away, non-Hindus must strain to see the profuse exterior carvings, a high point of Hindu decorative art; alas, without binoculars, most of the details will elude you. AND DO NOT PAY ANYTHING! A tout will come to ask you for a “donation” – there’s no such thing coming from the temple like that.

The Lingaraj temple complex view from the platform.