Konark - Sun Temple

The Sun Temple in Konark is a magnificent structure, a stunning monument of religious architecture. Originally the Sun Temple was located nearer to the coast and was used as a navigational point by sailors, who referred to it as the 'Black Pagoda'.

The entire temple was designed in the shape of a chariot to carry the sun god, Surya, across the heavens. Seven prancing horses, representing the days of the week rear at moving this formidable stone chariot. The chariot has 24 stone wheels, representing the hours in a day, located around the base of the temple.

Two stone lions crushing elephants and stairs lead into a dance hall, which is adjacent to the temple, guard the main entrance to the Sun Temple. The base and walls of the