Black Pagoda
କୋଣାର୍କ ସୂର୍ଯ୍ୟ ମନ୍ଦିର
Surya (The Sun God) · Konark, Odisha
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About the temple
One of the most famous Brahmanical deities’ shrines in India. Historically associated with the cure of skin diseases (Samba legend).
Temple information
- Darshan timings
- 06:00 – 20:00
- Established
- 1
- Best time to visit
- Sunrise for the best view and cooler temperature.
- Entry fee
- Free
Deity
Surya (The Sun God) · ସୂର୍ଯ୍ୟ ଦେବତା
- Deity form
- Three images of Surya (Morning, Noon, Evening)
- Religious tradition
- Ancient Vedic Sun Worship
- Sanskrit name
- कोणार्क सूर्य मन्दिर
- Also known as
- Black Pagoda, Arka Kshetra, Padma Kshetra
Darshan hours
- Daily
- 06:00 - 20:00
- Special days
- Extended for Light & Sound Show
- Festival timings
- Open until late night during festivals
Aarti & rituals
- Ritual schedule
- No active religious rituals performed in the main sanctum.
- Special poojas
- No
- Online pooja booking
- No
History & heritage
- Historical period
- Medieval
- Built by
- Eastern Ganga Dynasty (King Narasimhadeva I)
- Architect / builder
- Bisu Maharana (Legendary Chief Architect)
- Construction materials
- Khondalite, Chlorite, and Magnetite
- Historical events
- European sailors called it the 'Black Pagoda' as a navigational landmark.
- Renovations
- Major conservation efforts by the British and currently by ASI.
- Archaeological importance
- UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984
- Legends
- Legend of Dharmapada (architect's son) completing the crown stone.
- Inscriptions
- Various architectural plans found in local palm-leaf manuscripts.
Architecture
- Architectural style
- Dravidian
- Architectural period
- 13th Century
- Structure
- Chariot-style Complex
- Floors
- 50
- Gopuram
- Jagamohana (Porch) is the most prominent standing structure.
- Mandapa
- Natamandira (Dancing Hall) and Bhogamandapa.
- Sculptural features
- 24 wheels, 7 horses, erotic carvings, and war elephants.
- Artistic elements
- Intricate carvings of daily life, fauna, and celestial dancers.
- Construction technique
- Dry masonry with iron dowels and heavy magnetic crown stones.
- Unique features
- The wheels act as sun dials to calculate time to the second.
Festivals & events
Konark Festival (Classical Dance)Magha Saptami (Mela)
- Festival calendar
- December (Dance Festival), January/February (Mela)
- Special celebration days
- Magha Saptami (Holy dip at Chandrabhaga)
- Cultural events
- Annual Konark Dance Festival
- Annual events
- Chandrabhaga Mela
- Peak crowd season
- Winter (November to February)
Visitor information
- ✓ Parking
- ✓ Wheelchair accessible
- ✓ Restrooms
- ✓ Drinking water
- ✓ Photography allowed
- Entry fee
- Free
- Dress code
- Casual
- Best time to visit
- Sunrise for the best view and cooler temperature.
- Parking capacity
- 1000+
- Parking fees
- ₹40 - ₹100
- Donation counters
- No
Gallery
