THE PRESENT SUN TEMPLE KONARK IS ALSO KNOWN AS THE BLACK PAGODA. IT IS 36 KM, FROM PURI. THE PRESENT SUN TEMPLE WAS BUILT BY THE KING LANGULA NARASIGHA DEVA IN 13TH CENTURY A.D. WITH THE HELP OF 1200 ARCHITECTSIN 12 YEARS TIME AND AT 12 YEARS STATE REVENUE, IN THE FORM OF A CHARIOT OF SUN GOD. THE HEIGHT OF THIS TEMPLE IS 228 FEET. THE TEMPLE IS FITTED WITH 24 WHEELS AND 7 HORSES. ITS ARCHITECTURE AND SCULPTURE IS A SHEER POETRY IN STONE. THE BENGALI POET RABINDRANATH TAGORE WAS SO MOVED BY ITS BEAUTY THAT HE SAID,” HERE THE LANGUAGE OF MAN IS DEFEATED BY THE LANGUAGE OF THE STONE.”
Dhauli is situated towards the Soulh-West of Bhubaneswar at a distance of 8 km. on the bank of the river Daya. The Shanti Stupa or Stupa of peace built by the Japanese, commemorates the site of one of the greatest religious conversions in History. In the 3rd century B.C. emperor Ashoka is said to have adopted Buddhism and the doctrine of non-violence here at Dhauli, after a dreadful battle where thousands lost their lives.
