About Konark Festival
The crowning glory of Oriya temple architecture, the 13th century Sun temple also known as ' the Black Pagoda', comes with a baggage of centuries - old myths and legends. It is famed as a world heritage site. The exquisite 'Natyamandir' or the 'dancing hall' of this 700-year old shrine is an architectural wonder with well-adorned sculptures in Odissi dance poses.
festival of classical dance forms performed by the celebrated danseurs of the country on the Open Air Auditorium set amidst the casuarina grove against the back drop of Sun Temple,a World Heritage Monument. During the festival evenings the atmosphere is surcharged with rhythmic dancing beats and melodious tunes.
The festival provides a platform for both to the performing artiste and the dance connoisseurs in appreciating the essence of various classical dance forms of the country. The stage for the dancing event glows in pristine glory of much admired Odissi, Bharat Natyam, Manipuri, Kathak and Chhow Dance - a lavish feast for the eyes and ears. This experience of a lifetime will no doubt be a cocktail of Art & Craft, Dance & Music, Sun & Frolic - a total package for five eventful and memorable days.
History
Conceived as a gigantic charior, Konark is a tribute in stone to the Sun God Surya. But very little is known about its early history. It I said to have been built by Narasimhadev when he defeated Muslim Invaders.
In the early seventeenth century, one of Jehangir’s envoys was thought to have desecrated it. Till the early nineteen hundreds, it was a mammoth ruin. In 1904, the sand and debris were cleared and the Temple emerged, amazing archaeologists.
Poetry in Stone - Konark
The Sun Temple of Konark is one of the mot beautifully constructed Temples in the World 65 kms from Bhubaneswar and close to the beach, this Temple - a wonderful aesthetic experience pulls countless visitors across the world.
Kartika Purnima
The auspicious month of Kartika (November - December), is revered by all Hindus throughout Indian.
According to the Hindu Calender, this month is considered, to be the most sacred. People take a dip in the holy waters and offer their prayers for the fulfillment of their wishes. This is observed on Kartika Poornia (the Full-Moon day in Nov-Dec). The devout abstain from eating non-vegetarin dishes and even garlic
Sun Worship
In ancient times worship of Sun god was in vogue and the people were accustomed with the worship of two Supreme deities - one mother Earth as Dharitri Maata and the other the Sun, the Dharam devata. Sun god is regarded as the supreme lord of the universe and the prime object of life giving energy, being the healer of diseases and bestower of desires.
Surya has been a popular deity in India since Vedic period. It is therefore described in Rig Veda regarding Prayer of Sun God as follows.
The Temple
The base of the Temple has 24 gigantic wheels which are carved. There are seven powerful horses which pull the chariot and the entire temple is covered with carvings, sculptures, figures and bas-reliefs. The main gateway is guarded by two stone lions fighting elephants a recurring motif in Orissan Temple Architecture. Steps leas to the main entrance, surrounded by horses. The Jagmohan stands by the duel behind is in ruin. Three images of Lord Surya sculpted a chlorite have bee put in their former positions in such a way that they get the rays of the Sub at dawn, non and sunset.
The dancing hall or Natyamandir is placed between the main steps and entrance sculpture. The Natyamandir is elaborately sculpted. The base of the Temple, is minutely sculpted and most of them are erotic in nature. They could be images on the spoke of a wheel or life-size figures high up on the walls. Close on the beach, Konark was visible to sailors and was also known as the Black Pogoda. Many Historians are of the opinion that Konark contained a huge mass of magnetic iron, which pulled many a ship to the shore. Strangely enough, there is another Sun Temple at Konark at Luxor - Egypt The names of the Temples are similarly pronounced. Konark and Konark. Is there a connection between the two? Archaeologist are still figuring it out!
