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Sun Temple, Konârak Located in the Puri district of the state of Orissa, India, on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, the Sun temple, built in the thirteenth century, was conceived as a gigantic solar chariot of the Sun God, with twelve pairs of exquisitely-ornamented wheels dragged by seven rearing horses. Its fine traceries and scrollwork, as well as the beautiful and natural cut of animals and human figures, give it superiority over other temples. Konark is one of the well known tourist destinations in Orissa and a large number of tourists and pilgrims visit this place. Konark beach is a popular tourist destination, though the waters are deceptively calm. Its main attraction lies in its views of the temple. The temple symbolizes the majestic stride of the Sun God. The temple is a World Heritage site and is also known as Konaditya, is not only known for its architectural grandeur but also for the intricacy and richness of sculptural work. The temple comprised a sanctum with a lofty (presumably over 68 m. high) sikhara, a Jagamohana (30. m. square and 30. m. high) and a detached nata-mandira (hall of dance) in the same axis, besides numerous subsidiary shrines. The sanctum and the nata-mandira have lost their roof. The nata-mandira exhibits a more balanced architectural design than that of other Orissan temples. The sanctum displays superb images of the Sun God in the three projections which are treated as miniature shrines, positioned to catch the rays of the sun at dawn, noon and sunset. The sanctum and the Jagamohana together stand on a common platform studded with an intricate wealth of decorative ornaments and sculptures, often of a highly erotic type. The roof of the Jagamohana, made of horizontal tiers grouped in three stages with life-size female sculptures of matchless charm and delicacy adorning each stage, the whole surmounted by two stupendous crowning members, produces a picturesque contrast of light and shade and is unparalleled for its grandeur and structural propriety. Majestic in conception, this temple is indeed one of the sublimest monuments of India, notable as much for its imposing dimensions and faultless proportions as for the harmonious integration of architectural grandeur with plastic elegance. World Heritage Site IndiaAgra Fort | Ajanta Caves | Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi | Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park | Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus | Churches and Convents of Goa| The Elephant Caves | Ellora Caves | Fatehpur Sikri | Great Living Chola TemplesGroup of Monuments at Hampi | Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram | Group of Monuments at Pattadakal | Humanyun’s Tomb, Delhi | Khajuraho Group of Monuments | Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya | Mountain Railways of India The Qutab Minar and its Monuments | Red Fort Complex | Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka Sun Temple, Konârak | Taj Mahal, Agra | Natural |