Destination India: Konark, Orissa

Sunday, March 04, 2007

Konark, Orissa

Wheel
Originally uploaded by chuhuicha.

Konark is a small temple town in the state of Orissa. The sun temple was built by King Narasimhadeva in the 13th century. Konark temple is one of the most important Brahman sanctuaries and is built in the form of a huge chariot. The huge Surya (sun god) chariot is drawn by seven horses on 12 pairs of very decorative wheels. The entrance is guarded by two lions.

Konark has a popular beach but the main attraction is the sun temple. The temple is now partly in ruins and so part of the collection of sculptures is housed in the Sun Temple Museum.

About Me

India has always fascinated me for different reasons. The vastness of its culture, the diversity of people’s opinions and the limitations of its vision. Despite our diversity, we need to have a collective vision. India is not a country of four metropolis or a couple of high-tech cities. This nation of a billion people has 29 states and 6 union territories. We have 35 state and territorial capitals. How much do we know about each of these important cities?

Professionally I am a graphic designer from Bombay, India. In 1987, I co-authored a book on Corporate India, but my desire to throw a wider net and pick up much more information remains intact. I want my people from every city and every state to write and photograph details and information that would be interesting to the viewers around the world. We have so much to talk about and so much to share - this medium and this technology can help fulfill our collective dreams.