August 31st, 2009 
Sheila Simkin Beside the three main temples, one behind each other, there were immense statues scattered around the grounds that had been moved from their original spots. A horse with one headless statue…View image, a lonely elephant…View image, and then there was the barred up entrance to the main temple…View image, too dangerous for people to enter. It is believed that the sacred Sun image is kept in the National Museum of Delhi but there was a replica high in the last complex…View image. FYI: Please keep in mind that you have to be in “decent” shape to visit Konarak Sun Temple. It’s up stone stairs, down stone stairs (all without railings or support), walk a distance in the heat and then more stairs. If handicapped, you could easily tour the perimeter and admire all the sculptures and carvings.
The Sun temple belongs to the Kalinga School of architecture with a Main Sanctum, Audience Hall, Dancing Hall and Dining Hall. The entire compound measures 261m/857′ by 160m/540′. We have visited the Khajuraho Hindu and Jain temples, famous for their erotic sculpture from the 9th century but for some reason (perhaps because Konarak Sun Temple is smaller and more intimate), the Konarak erotic sculptures made more of an impact.
It wasn’t necessary to hunt for erotic panels, they were everywhere. …View image. Groups…View image… in every conceivable position (a few looked very difficult), threesomes, duos, high and low with unbelievable detail. No one had to tell you what they were doing…View image…
I freely admit it got to the point where ex-Marine and I were gawking and telling each other,…look at that one…look at this one…have you seen that…wow, look at the size of that…
I asked Bibhu if he knew why there is so much erotic art surrounding this temple. His reply:
- The Tantric sexual practices influence;
- The workmen lived and worked in an isolated atmosphere for 12 years and put their imaginations and thoughts into stone. Simply put, I want sex; and
- To test the purity of worshipper’s hearts as they walked around the temple.
I browsed through Wikipedia to see what they said on this subject and, believe it or not, they agree with Bibhu (he was a great guide). It was time to leave this oustanding visit to Konarak Sun Temple…
…passing the gauntlet of men selling strands of pearls, post cards…View image, and other items for the ride back to Puri. …View image…
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i visited konark temple 5 years ago, and still remember it nicely, but now i have one doubt, why does sun gods temple have sexuall sculptures, if kaam dev’s temple has sexuall sculptures it is understandable, but what is the connection between sun god and sex, if any one know anything about my query please email me at cooljollyman_4u@yahoo.co.in.
Nice stone work. Konark Sun Temple is also called as Konark Temple. Temple is attract tourist most, it is located in Orissa india.The chariot is very huge and has 12 pairs of stone-carved wheels and also a squad of seven running horses. Seven horses, symbolizes the seven days of the week, 12 pairs of wheels symbolizes the 12 months of the year.