Fresh news from Odisha thrills history and travel fans. ASI teams, with IIT Madras support, have begun removing sand from the 13th-century Konark Sun Temple sanctum. British engineers placed it in 1903 to 1904 for protection. The process uses zero-vibration drilling and real-time monitoring. The full process needs about three months. In Konark town within Puri district, close to the Bay of Bengal shores, stands this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once done, devotees and visitors can walk inside. If the work continues as planned, a space sealed for more than a century will finally breathe again.

The stone chariot looks bright after years of secrets. The reopening of the Konark Sun Temple sanctum is a big historic moment. It brings joy to devotees and explorers at Konark Surya Mandir.

History and Architecture of Konark Sun Temple

Start with who built Konark sun temple. King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty began it around 1250 AD. Next, when was Konark sun temple built? The mid-13th century, around 1250 AD, per old records. He made it for sun god Surya in grand Kalinga style. The form is a chariot shape pulled by seven horses. They used Khondalite and laterite stones. Twenty-four massive wheels line the base. Each wheel works as a sundial to mark time with shadows.

Long ago, the main tower at Konark Surya Mandir soared 70 meters into the sky. Storms toppled it years back. Today, the walls burst with energy through detailed carvings. You see gods blessing dancers, warriors charging at elephants, and lovers locked in Kama Sutra poses. Daily scenes fill the stone too: busy markets, playing musicians, and kings holding court. Deep in the sanctum, a powerful 10-foot black chlorite idol of Surya waits calmly. His head wears a seven-horse crown. Special pillars close by used to sound seven different notes when hit. As an iconic shrine, Konark Surya Mandir shows India’s finest temple architecture.

Konark Temple’s 1904 Protection Measures

Storms battered the temple in 1903 with lightning strikes. The jagamohana or assembly hall weakened fast. British engineers feared full collapse so they drilled holes and pumped in dry river sand. This propped up walls from inside for over 120 years. No one has entered since 1904. Sea salt air and monsoons made problems worse over time. Damp sand trapped moisture that hurt stones further.

Scientific Restoration at Konark Sun Temple

ASI formed a 30-member expert team last December. They picked super-quiet tools to avoid shakes. The first step was to cut a 4×4 foot tunnel 80 feet up on the west wall. Core samples of sand and stone went to IIT Madras labs for strength tests. Next came pipes and lifts to suck sand out from north and south corners bit by bit. Scaffolding platforms ringed the site for safe access. Laser scanners mapped every inch before and after. Traditional lime-surkhi mortar patched any gaps. Fans dried the air inside. Full checks are expected to clear the space in the coming weeks. Experts clear the path with steady hands.

Inside the Reopened Konark Sun Temple

Step inside the Konark Sun Temple sanctum to face Surya right there. The 10-foot-tall idol shines under soft lights. Carvings fill every wall completely. Over 100 erotic panels show graceful shapes. Dancers freeze in mid-step poses. Elephants crush demons in the stone. Markets look busy with buyers and sellers caught forever. Courts show kings in talks. Touch the music pillars and you may hear faint echoes of seven tones.  Cool air flows now from new vents.

Konark Temple Visiting Information

For those planning their trip, Konark temple opening timings run 8 AM to 6 PM daily. Indians enter for Rs 40. Foreigners pay Rs 600. No camera flashes allowed to shield the art. Devotees light lamps for blessings. Groups book guided tours. Odisha tourism has jumped by 50,000 additional visitors already this month.  Local stalls sell brass wheels and shell crafts.

The reopening of the sacred chamber adds fresh life to the legendary Konark Surya Mandir. For devotees, it is prayer fulfilled. For travelers, it is history finally revealed.

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Frequently Asked Questions 

Where is Konark Sun Temple located?
Konark Sun Temple is in Konark town, Puri district, Odisha. It is about 65 km from Bhubaneswar and 35 km from Puri, near the Bay of Bengal coast.

Who built Konark Sun Temple?
King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty built the temple around 1250 AD.

When was Konark Sun Temple built?
It was built in the mid-13th century, around 1250 AD.

Why was sand filled inside the Konark temple?
British engineers filled the temple with sand between 1903 and 1904 to prevent structural collapse after storm and lightning damage.

Why was the Konark Temple sanctum closed for over a century?
The sand filling sealed the inner chamber for stability. Entry was stopped from 1904 to protect the structure.

What historical artifacts might be found inside the sanctum?
A 10-foot black chlorite Surya idol stands at the center. Over 100 carvings show dancers, warriors, and daily life. Music pillars once rang seven notes. Sand removal revealed ritual lamps and shells from the 1250 AD era.

What are the top nearby attractions after visiting Konark Sun Temple?
You can visit Jagannath Temple, Chandrabhaga Beach, Chilika Lake, and Konark Archaeological Museum. All are within easy driving distance.

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