Sun Temple of Konark

Konark is a town at the gulf of Bengal in the Indian state Orissa, about 35 km far from Puri. Puri is famous all over the world for its Sun Temple dedicated to Sun God. It was nominated in 1984 by UNESCO as the world cultural heritage.

The temple complex was constructed in the middle of the 13th century. It is erected in form of a pair of the sun God Surya with seven horses. At the foot of the temple, one finds 24 large vehicle wheels chiseled into the stone. A collection of the sculptures of the temple, which were found during excavations, are exibhited in the sun temple museum, next to the temple compound. In December, each year, takes place a festival of the classic Indian dance in Konark. There are performances of the traditional dance Odissi.