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.
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.
36 comments:
what did people then see in all this?
Indeed 'old is gold'. looking at these places how they have withstood the changes over time and still retain the charm... As usual a lovely trip with your pics.
Awesome photos
What a wonderful design.
Wonderful architecture. Nice post!
oh my goodness what a beautiful building.
Wonderful images of the temple! Thanks for sharing, enjoy your day!
Truly remarkable detail explored your photos! Couldn’t image how patient our sculptors suppose to be to create such wonders though rocks? The Gaja-Simha sculpture stands majestic!!
What a beautiful backdrop that hall would be for festivals and other celebrations!
Wow - how lovely!
So much detail. The figures look as though they could dance off the pillars.
Incredible detail and what a magnificent place, Rajesh!! Your captures are superb as always!! Thanks for sharing and have a great new week!!
the details in the carvings always amazes me so much. the lion is pretty impressive too.
If I remember correctly this would be the first dancing hall you'll share. Very impressive architectural style as always.
Very impressive. I love how you are able to get right into these ancient temples.
You are so lucky to have been to Konark.
The carvings are amazing. I have only read about this place in history books, back in the day, but now, thanks to you, I too can enjoy the splendid views. So, thanks, Rajesh!
Have a Great Week!!
Peace :)
Gorgeous!
That is just gorgeous! I can't get over all of the detail!
What a lovely temple. The carvings are exquisitely amazing
Amazing art and architecture!
There sure are lots of intricate and detailed carvings!
Leslie
abcw team
dance the night away!
ROG, ABCW
Stunning place and photos!
Greetings from Germany
That's a festival I'd love to see. That building is wondrous.
Take 25 to Hollister
that is nice :)
Wow!! Very beautiful indeed.
That dance festival must be wonderful to see with the carvings on the dancing hall as a backdrop.
i like the photographs, they show so much craftmanship
Melody (abcw)
WOnderful detailing...love the Indian temple architecture.
When i visited this place 5 years back, the architectural works blown my mind, i became mesmerized observing the curves and the designs. i liked all the pics, nicely taken.
Sun temple is very well known for its architecture and carvings.. Never been there, but got a virtual tour from your blog photographs!! Keep sharing!!!
http://travelhues.blogspot.in
It was so long ago when I visited this place. Your pictures make me want to revisit. Thanks for these gems.
Amazing ! Actually most of the famous temples in India have some unique features . It may be structure or their architect. Beautiful series
Time honored historical place is well covered with tell tale pictures
The pics made me go Wow! I am yet to visit there.
yet to visit that part of India
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