Popular Temple
Konark Sun Temple
Konark, Odisha
A UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the form of a colossal chariot for the Sun God
At a glance
- Location
- Konark, Odisha
- Presiding deity
- Surya (the Sun God)
- Temple type
- Popular Temple
- Tradition
- Other tradition
- Nearest railway station
- Puri railway station (~30-35 km); Bhubaneswar railway station (~65 km, more train options)
- Nearest airport
- Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (~65 km)
- Best time to visit
- October to March; the Konark Dance Festival (December) is a well-known cultural event.
History
The Konark Sun Temple was built around 1250 CE by King Narasimhadeva I of the Ganga dynasty. Its structure is designed as a colossal chariot for the Sun God, featuring 12 pairs of intricately carved stone wheels (each about 3 metres in diameter, symbolizing the twelve months) and seven horses (representing the seven days of the week). It is regarded as one of India's finest works of art and architecture.
Spiritual significance
Though the main temple structure survives today in a partially ruined state, its intricate carvings and astronomical precision led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
Plan your visit
Darshan timings
6:00 AM to 8:00 PM (this is a protected monument, not a site of regular ritual worship).
Timings change on festivals and special occasions. Confirm with the temple's official source before you travel.
Taxis and buses easily connect Konark from Puri or Bhubaneswar; many visitors combine Konark with the Jagannath Temple in Puri as part of a single trip.
Continue your Surya bhakti
Devotional texts for this deity, already on the site.