Konark Temple
            The third link in the Orissan Golden Triangle, Konark, 35 km from Puri, is the site of one of the most spectacular examples of religious architecture in the world. The glorious ruins of the Konark Temple, dedicated to God Surya, has become so renowned, even internationally, that it is now protected under UNESCO's World Heritage Site Project. The Sun Temple, conceived as a massive chariot, hauling the Sun God across the heavens by the mighty of seven splendidly carved horses, standing aloft on 24 chariot wheels - intricately carved - symbolizing the march of time, lies in partial ruin on Konark Beach. The temple is said to have fallen into disuse after its desecration by the Muslims and time has brought this immense structure to its present condition. Adjacent to the main temple lies the Nata mandira or the dance hall, intricately carved with musicians and dancers in various poses from the original temple dances. Today the amphitheater with the Sun Temple at the backdrop is the venue for one of the most exciting dance festivals. The ancient stones ring with the sound of ankle bells and the beat of the mridangam and mardala as the exponents of classical dance take the stage during the Konark Dance Festival in winter. The Sun Temple Museum run by the Archaeological Survey of India has an excellent collection of sculptures from the temple ruins. Konark beach offers beautiful sunset. Quieter than Puri beach, its waters tend to be trickier- -even strong; swimmers need to be wary. The immense backdrop of the Sun Temple looks breathtaking when illuminated in the evening.

How to reach the Golden Temple

Air : Flights operate to the Rajasansi airport at Amritsar from many national destinations. A few international flights also land at the airport.

Rail : Amritsar is well connected by railway network. Regular trains operate between Amritsar and national capital Delhi.

Road : Buses are available to Amritsar from Delhi and other destinations of Punjab. Amritsar is at a distance of 234 kms from Chandigarh and 464 kms from Delhi.
History

            The Sun Temple at Konarak was built in about 1250 AD by the East Ganga king Narasimhadeva. It is thought he built the temple to commemorate military successes against Muslim invaders.



            According to local legend, the temple has a great aura of power that comes from two very powerful magnets said to have been built into the tower - magnets that allowed the king's throne to hover in mid-air.

            European mariners sailing off the coast used the temple's tower for navigation, but dubbed it the Black Pagoda for the frequent shipwrecks that occurred along the coast. They attributed the disasters to the legendary magnets' effect on the tidal pattern.
 
            konarak was sacked by the Muslim Yavana army in the 15th century. The central statue enshrined in the temple was smuggled away to Puri by priests, but the Sun Temple was badly damaged in the attack.

            Nature took over the destruction from there. Over the centuries, the sea receded, sand engulfed the building and salty breezes eroded the stone. It remained buried under a huge mound of sand until the early 20th century, when restoration began under the British.

            British archaeologists uncovered the lower parts of the temple that had remained well preserved beneath the sand and restored what they could of the rest of the ruins. Trees were planted to shelter the temple from the damaging winds and a museum was opened to display whatever sculpture wasn't left in situ or sent to Delhi, Calcutta and London.

            In 1924, the Earl of Ronaldshay proclaimed the newly-revealed temple to be "one of the most stupendous buildings in India which rears itself aloft, a pile of overwhelming grandeur even in its decay.
 
 
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