Dancing Hall of Sun Temple, Konark

The beautiful Sun Temple Complex of Konark apart from 13th Sun Temple has various ancient structures. One such magnificent structure is Dancing Hall which in the current form is a unroofed.

This architectural wonder is a large pillared hall is built on a very high platform, in front of the temple. This hall in the ancient times was intended for offering prayers by the dancing girls during the worship. 

The dancing hall can be reached by flight of steps from all the four directions. But one in the eastern side has larger than life images of Gaja-Simhas installed on two high stone-benches on either side of the passage. It is a lion rearing above a kneeling elephant that holds a prostrate man with his trunk. 

Every inch of base of the dancing hall have been covered with fine artistic designs of the ancient times. Musicians playing drums, cymbals and other musical instruments adorn the sculptures in Odissi dance posses. 

The pillars are elaborately carved with dancing male and female figures in various poses, playing different kinds of musical instruments. The dancing figures are seen carrying incense burners and lamps in their hands.

Each of the carvings on this beautiful hall outsmarts the other. Since 1989 every year in the month of December Konark Dance Festival is organised with temple and dance hall as the backdrop. Various artists perform here several dance forms to celebrate the dances of India.