ॐ साईं राम

तत् त्वम् असि • Love is God • अयम् आत्मा ब्रह्म • Help Ever Hurt Never • ब्रह्मन् • Omnipotent • सर्वं खल्विदं ब्रह्म • Vedas are Breath of God • यद् भावं तद् भवति • Omniscient Love All Serve All • प्रज्ञानम् ब्रह्म • अहम् ब्रह्म अस्मि • God is Love  • Omnipresent

Vedas & Upanishad

Mantra & Hyms

Trending Now

Sun Temple, Modhera

Sun Temple

The Sun Temple at Konark, Odisha, is one of the greatest monuments of Indian architecture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, the temple was built in the 13th century and designed in the shape of a gigantic chariot with 24 intricately carved wheels, pulled by 7 magnificent horses. Known as the “Black Pagoda” by sailors due to its dark color and magnetic effect,

॥ स्वामिनारायणाय नमः ॥
Another devotional chant:
॥ ॐ सहजानन्दाय नमः ॥

― Akshardham Temple

this temple is a masterpiece of ancient Indian art, sculpture, and spirituality.

Mythological Significance & History

The temple was commissioned by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty around 1250 CE.
It was built to honor Surya Deva (the Sun God), symbolizing power, vitality, and eternal light.
Over centuries, the temple suffered damage due to invasions, natural calamities, and neglect. Despite being partially ruined, it still stands as a symbol of India’s glorious past.
In 1984, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site, ensuring global recognition of its cultural significance.

Significance of the Temple

The temple symbolizes the passage of time, with its 24 wheels representing 24 hours of the day and the 7 horses symbolizing the 7 days of the week.
It is an important center of Surya worship and holds a deep spiritual meaning of life, energy, and cosmic cycles.
Devotees believe that praying to Surya at Konark grants health, vitality, and liberation from diseases.
The temple also represents scientific and astronomical brilliance, as it is aligned eastward so that the first rays of the sunrise strike the main sanctum.
The annual Konark Dance Festival, held near the temple, showcases India’s classical dance and music heritage.

Architecture of the Temple

Built in Kalinga style of architecture, the temple is designed like a colossal stone chariot of Surya.

The chariot has 24 wheels (each about 12 feet in diameter), elaborately carved with motifs of deities, animals, floral patterns, and daily life.

7 stone horses are sculpted as if pulling the chariot forward, symbolizing Surya’s journey across the sky.

The temple complex includes the main sanctum (now in ruins), the Jagamohana (assembly hall), and other smaller shrines.

The walls are adorned with exquisite sculptures depicting gods, apsaras, dancers, animals, and scenes from everyday life.

The temple’s architecture combines artistic grandeur and astronomical precision, making it one of the greatest wonders of India.

and modern presentation techniques, making it a unique spiritual landmark.

How to Reach to Temple

By Road: Konark is well connected by road, about 35 km from Puri and 65 km from Bhubaneswar. Buses, taxis, and private vehicles are easily available.

By Train: The nearest railway station is Puri (35 km away) and Bhubaneswar (65 km away).

By Air: The nearest airport is Biju Patnaik International Airport, Bhubaneswar (64 km away).

Temple Timings

  • Morning Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    6:00 AM – 8:00 PM

  • Evening Temple Opening & Closing Timing

    10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Temple Location

Scroll to Top