Sun temple .... Konark near Puri a world heritage - tours,pictures,maps,information guide

The Vedic scriptures of the Hindu religion refer to the sun as the store house of inexhaustible power and radiance. Ths sun god is referred to as Surya or Aditya.it is believed that Surya, the Sun God has offered worship at several of the shrines in Tamilnadu; many of these shrines have been designed in such a way that the sun's rays illuminate the sanctum (of Shiva) on certain days of the year. Several of the South Indian Temple Tanks also bear the name Surya Theertham or Surya Pushkarini.

there are seven temples of lord Sun in India :-

• . The Grand Konark Sun Temple
• . Dakshinaarka Temple at Gaya, Bihar
• . Suryanaar Koyil in Tamilnadu
• . Suryanarayana Temple at Arasavilli
• . Surya Pahar Temple in Assam
• . Bhramanya Dev Temple at Unao
• . Sun Temple at Modhera - Gujarat

Sun Temples Outside India

• .Sun Temple at Multan - Pakistan
• .Karnak Sun Temple in Egypt
• .Mayan Resources
• .Travel Egypt - Temple at Abu Simbel
• .Mesa Verde Sun Temple
• .Sun Temple of Abu Ghurab
• .Sun Temple of Nuissere
• .Mesoamerican Sun Temple
  

The Grand Konark Sun Temple:-

The magnificent Sun Temple at Konark, in the state of Orissa near the sacred city of Puri. It is the culmination of Orissan temple architecture, and one of the most stunning monuments of religious architecture in the world.Built by the King Narasimhadeva in the thirteenth century, the entire temple was designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with seven horses and twentyfour wheels , carrying the sun god, Surya, across the heavens. Surya has been a popular deity in India since the Vedic period. Sun temple has been declared a world heritage site by UNESCO.

Konark is also known as Konaditya. The name Konark is derived form the words Kona - Corner and Arka - Sun; it is situated on the north eastern corner of Puri or the Chakrakshetra. Konark is also known asArkakshetra.

The ruins of this temple were excavated in late 19th century. The tower over the Garbagriha is missing, however the Jagmohana is intact, and even in this state, it is awe inspiring.The temple is a brilliant chronicle in stone, with thousands of images including deities, the Surasundaris, heavenly damsels, and human musicians, lovers, dancers, and different scenes from courtly life.


Tourist Information:-Open on all weekdays from sunrise to sunset. Entry fee for those above 12 years : Rs. 5.00. Free entry on Fridays

Road
It is well connected by all -weather motorable roads to Puri, Bhubhaneswar and other parts of the state. It is 65 km from Bhubhaneswar, 35 km from Puri and 85 km from via Pipli. Rail The nearest railheads from Konark are Bhubhaneswar and Puri. Air Nearest Airport is Bhubhaneswar.

Where to stay? 
Konark offers various government approved accommodations at Panthanivas, Travellers lodge, Inspection Bungalow, yatri Nivas. Also one can stay in the choicest hotels of : Bhubaneswar Hotels, Puri Hotels

Places to visit 
Kuruma, Chaurasi, Ramachandi, Astranga, Kakatapur, Pipli.

source:-http://www.templenet.com