Konark, Orissa, India, Feb 2010
Attended the Silver Jubilee of the annual Konark Dance and Music Festival which was held at Konark (Sanskrit: कोनार्क), Orissa, from February 19th to 23rd 2010. Visited the Konark Sun Temple, the beaches of Konark and also went briefly to Puri and Bhubaneshwar, Orissa.
The Sun Temple of Konark is dedicated to Surya (Sun God) and is a masterpiece of Orissa's medieval architecture. It is an UNESCO world heritage site and is widely known not only for its architectural grandeur but also for the intricacy and profusion of sculptural work. The entire temple has been conceived as a chariot of the sun god with 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, with a set of spokes and elaborate carvings. Seven horses drag the temple. Two lions guard the entrance, crushing elephants. A flight of steps lead to the main entrance.
The Nata Mandir in front of the Jagamohana is also intricately carved. Around the base of the temple, and up the walls and roof, are erotic carvings. There are images of animals, foliage, men, warriors on horses and other patterns and motifs. There are three images of the Sun God, positioned to catch the rays of the sun at dawn, noon and sunset. Clean and well kept, its worth a visit.
Images from the five-day classical dance and music carnival are posted at: http://photos.suchit.in/gallery/11419360_cWP8H/ and at the same location you would find video footage of the event.
Read MoreThe Sun Temple of Konark is dedicated to Surya (Sun God) and is a masterpiece of Orissa's medieval architecture. It is an UNESCO world heritage site and is widely known not only for its architectural grandeur but also for the intricacy and profusion of sculptural work. The entire temple has been conceived as a chariot of the sun god with 24 wheels, each about 10 feet in diameter, with a set of spokes and elaborate carvings. Seven horses drag the temple. Two lions guard the entrance, crushing elephants. A flight of steps lead to the main entrance.
The Nata Mandir in front of the Jagamohana is also intricately carved. Around the base of the temple, and up the walls and roof, are erotic carvings. There are images of animals, foliage, men, warriors on horses and other patterns and motifs. There are three images of the Sun God, positioned to catch the rays of the sun at dawn, noon and sunset. Clean and well kept, its worth a visit.
Images from the five-day classical dance and music carnival are posted at: http://photos.suchit.in/gallery/11419360_cWP8H/ and at the same location you would find video footage of the event.
Suchit Nanda
on June 7, 2011Thank you Richard. It is a lovely place and surprisingly has not withered with time and age.
~ Suchit
rabbitimages
on October 22, 2010A beautiful historic place so well photographed, thank you for sharing it with us.
Suchit Nanda
on June 3, 2010Thank you Harsh for all your comments. :)
~ Suchit
Hershy
on June 3, 2010Great shots Suchit!