The small city of Konark is situated in Orissa in India. It is located at a distance of 64 km from Bhubaneswar and 33 km from Puri. This city is famous for the Sun Temple that was constructed in 13th century. Since it is built from black granite, this temple is also known as Black Pagoda. The Sun Temple or the Konark Temple of Orissa was built by King Narasimhadeva I of Eastern Ganga Dynasty. It is considered as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Every year in the month of December, a classical dance program of Odissi is arranged at the Konark Temples.

The Sun Temple is designed as the chariot of Sun God or Surya. The chariot has 12 pairs of wheels, each of 10 feet diameter and with beautiful stone carvings. Seven horses in stone carvings are depicted to draw the chariot of Sun God. On the entrance of the Konark Temple one will get to see a Nata Mandir. In the ancient days, performances were arranged at this place to pay tribute to the Sun God.

The Sun Temple is also decorated with stone sculptures depicting amorous poses. Images of warriors, men, horses, animals and foliage are depicted on the stone wall of the temple. The 3 images of the Sun God are postured in different positions to catch the sun rays at 3 different time of the day – sunset, noon and dawn. But most of the parts of the Konark Temples are in ruins.

A mythical legend is associated with the construction of the temple. According to the legends, Shri Krishna's king Samba went inside the bathing chambers of Krishna's wives. Due to this act, Shri Krishna cursed Samba with leprosy. He would be redeemed of this curse if he worship the Sun God near Puri by the sea coast. When Samba came to Konark, he found an image of the Sun God and he started worshiping him. Later he was relieved of the curse.

It is believed that the Konark Temple was not completed according to the original plan. Some believe that the foundation of the temple could not bear the weight of the heavy dome. But the local people have a different belief. According to them, the magnetic dome of the temple was initially constructed but it was removed later as it affected the movement of the ships.

The Konark Temple is aligned in the east – west direction. The Sun Temple of Orissa is visited by tourists mainly for its architectural splendor. This pattern of architecture belongs to the Kalinga School of Indian Temples. The shape of this temple bears resemblance to other sikhara temples of Orissa. Inside the temple, an audience hall and a main sanctum were built. But the sanctum that housed the presiding deity could not resist the test of time and had fallen down. Only a part of the Nata Mandir or the dancing hall and Bhoga Mandap or dining hall still survive. Many sculptures of this temple are restored by the Archaeological Survey of India at the Sun Temple Museum.