Konark Sun Temple

The word Konark is the fusion of the two words – Kona meaning corner and Arka referring to the Sun God, when joined together denoting the Sun of the corner. The city of Konark has been named after the paramount deity of the Sun Temple. Konark is mentioned in the Puranas as Mundira or Mundirasvamin which was later on changed and renamed as Konaditya or Konarka. It is supposed to be one of the first places of Sun worshipping in India. The Sun temple was most likely constructed by King Narasimhadev I of the Ganga Dynasty. However, according to the Hindu mythology, the temple was built by Samba, the son of Lord Krishna, after he was cured from the cursed leprosy by the divine blessings of Surya Dev or the Sun God. The temple is considered as one of the finest example of religious edifice. It bears the shape of a divine chariot for carrying the Sun God drawn by seven horses with twelve wheels on each side. The temple is situated adjacent to the Konark beach. It is also known as the Black Pagoda and is interestingly the venue for one of the most captivating dance fiestas held in India.