Monday, August 3, 2015

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.

36 comments:

Cloudia said...

what did people then see in all this?

Ira said...

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.

rupam sarma said...

Awesome photos

Blogoratti said...

What a wonderful design.

R Niranjan Das said...

Wonderful architecture. Nice post!

aspiritofsimplicity said...

oh my goodness what a beautiful building.

eileeninmd said...

Wonderful images of the temple! Thanks for sharing, enjoy your day!

Jeevan said...

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!!

Jackie and Joel Smith said...

What a beautiful backdrop that hall would be for festivals and other celebrations!

Anonymous said...

Wow - how lovely!

Fun60 said...

So much detail. The figures look as though they could dance off the pillars.

Sylvia K said...

Incredible detail and what a magnificent place, Rajesh!! Your captures are superb as always!! Thanks for sharing and have a great new week!!

Joyful said...

the details in the carvings always amazes me so much. the lion is pretty impressive too.

Photo Cache said...

If I remember correctly this would be the first dancing hall you'll share. Very impressive architectural style as always.

Al said...

Very impressive. I love how you are able to get right into these ancient temples.

GreenComotion said...

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 :)

Maude Lynn said...

Gorgeous!

Amy at Ms. Toody Goo Shoes said...

That is just gorgeous! I can't get over all of the detail!

LifeRamblings said...

What a lovely temple. The carvings are exquisitely amazing

magiceye said...

Amazing art and architecture!

Leslie: said...

There sure are lots of intricate and detailed carvings!

Leslie
abcw team

Roger Owen Green said...

dance the night away!

ROG, ABCW

Mascha said...

Stunning place and photos!
Greetings from Germany

Su-sieee! Mac said...

That's a festival I'd love to see. That building is wondrous.
Take 25 to Hollister

Anonymous said...

that is nice :)

Anonymous said...

Wow!! Very beautiful indeed.

Barb said...

That dance festival must be wonderful to see with the carvings on the dancing hall as a backdrop.

Unknown said...

i like the photographs, they show so much craftmanship

Melody (abcw)

Bushra Muzaffar said...

WOnderful detailing...love the Indian temple architecture.

Jyotirmoy Sarkar said...

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.

Sneh Asnani said...

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

Beloo Mehra said...

It was so long ago when I visited this place. Your pictures make me want to revisit. Thanks for these gems.

Yogi Saraswat said...

Amazing ! Actually most of the famous temples in India have some unique features . It may be structure or their architect. Beautiful series

Easwar Arumugam said...

Time honored historical place is well covered with tell tale pictures

Shaivi said...

The pics made me go Wow! I am yet to visit there.

Shrinidhi Hande said...

yet to visit that part of India