The Sun Temple of Konark

At the 5 star resorts Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa we keep discovering new Asian spots. Today we are taking you to India to find out more about its famous Konark Sun Temple.

The Sun Temple of Konark is located at Konark, in the state of Odisha in India. It was architecturally conceived as the chariot of the Hindu Sun God Surya.

King Narasimhadev built the temple in the 13th century around 1250. European sailors named it ‘The Black Pagoda’ due to its dirt after being left and unattended in the 16th century. Currently, it looks brown, its natural colour.

There is a famous legend around its construction. According to it, Lord Krishna’s son Samba was smitten with leprosy due to his father’s curse. After a penance of 12 years, Samba visited the God Surya, the healer of all skin diseases, to be cured by him. Surya cured him and in gratitude, Samba built a temple in the honour of Surya.

Besides being one of the most stunning temples in the country, the Sun Temple of Konark is one of India´s most important Brahman sanctuaries. Its prominent reliefs can be divided in three themes: the mythological reliefs, the ones symbolizing the king´s lives and ornamental motifs of animals and plant. The most outstanding ones are the 24 wheels of Surya´s carriage and the six horses, which lead it.

Two huge lions guard the entrance of the temple. They are lied over two war elephants resting over two human bodies. This scene symbolizes the power of the Sun God Surya.

If you are a 100% Asian culture lover, and you would like to visit Asia without leaving Spain, the luxury hotel in Alicante Asia Gardens Hotel & Thai Spa is your holiday destination. Get to know our Asian paradise in the Mediterranean!