Historical Geography of Ancient India c7.292

c7.292

Koṇāraka.—This sandy tract also known as Koṇārka is situated on the beautiful and holy sea-shore. It is situated near the northernmost end of the sandy strip stretching from the Chilka lake to the Prāchi river. One can come near this site by motor-car in cold weather from Pipli. It contains a deity named Koṇāditya (Brahma Purāṇa, 28, 18). It is famous for the Hindu temple which is one of the best specimens of Indian architecture. This temple which has been dedicated to the Sun-god is commonly known as the Black Pagoda, which is situated at a distance of 21 miles north-east of Puri town. The sea is about a mile and a half to the south-east of the temple. The erection of the temple has been ascribed to the king Narasinhadeva of Khurda of the 13th century A.D. (J.A.S.B., LXXII, 1903, Pt. I, p. 120). The compound of the Black Pagoda (Koṇārak Temple) is enclosed by a wall and the principal gateway is to the east. A fine hall has been excavated with elaborate carvings in front of the porch. The magnificent temple has sunk down considerably and much has been done to protect it from mischief. The porch is a massive building on a high basement. The stone slab representing 9 planets known as the Navagraha slab is an important discovery. (For details vide Burnier, Konarak (Marg, Vol. II, Nos. 2 and 4); B. and O. Dist. Gazetteers, 1929, Puri, by O’Malley, 308ff.; Jarrett’s Tr. of Abul Fazle’s Ain-i-Akbari; Fergusson, History of Indian and Eastern Architecture, Book VI, Ch. 2; A.S.I.R., 1902-03, pp. 48-49; 1903-04, p. 9; Hunter, Orissa, I; R. L. Mittra, Antiquities of Orissa, II, 145).