write an essay on My trip to odisha
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After spending the evening at Chandrabhaga Beach we went to the Konark Sun Temple. It was not far from the beach, almost at a walking distance for people who love walking. We took a quick round of the temple. The complete complex was well lit, but it did not interest me much. It was crowded even in the night, but I failed to understand why there were so many people at that time. After spending some time there, we came out, had our dinner and I had a good–night sleep in our Panthniwas Hotel.
The next day morning, I woke up fresh enough to go through rest of the journey, which started with a visit to the Sun Temple again. Papa and Mama had gone to the temple early in the morning. Papa returned and told that Mama was waiting for us at the entrance of the temple. They had taken a guide and now for us Nikki Mama decided to play the role. In the meantime, Papa drew my attention to a picture in the hotel that showed an artistic impression of the original temple. It was double the height of today’s temple. I began to wonder how ancient people could build such sky-scrapers without today’s technology. With these thoughts playing in my mind Mummy, Nani and I arrived at the Konark Temple.
Self photographed picture with Konark in Background
The temple compound had blooming flowers and huge trees everywhere. There was nobody in the beginning and soon tourists started to fill in. We started our guided tour from the Natyamandap/Bhogamandap. Two huge statues of a lion flanked both sides of the main steps to the hall. The lions were pouncing on an elephant that had a man under its trunk . The roof of this hall was missing. This portion of the temple was used both for offerings and dance. I was sure about the dance because all the pillars were carved with dancers and musicians. Nikki Mama told that in old times devotees were also offered Prasad there. This was the reason that one of its stairs was facing the kitchen portion of the complex.
The statues at the main steps to the Bhogamandap
From top of the bhogamandap, I could see the main temple of the Konark Temple complex. Later on I came to know that it was not the main temple, it was Jagamohan. It was the portion of the temple where devotees used to assemble for devotional songs. It stands on a high platform. It is the only preserved structure in the complex.
The Jagamohan inside the Sun Temple complex
The front door of the Jagamohan was carved fantastically. The Sun Temple of Konark was designed as a chariot drawn by seven horses. The twelve pairs of magnificently carved wheels represent the twelve months of the year. Huge scaffolding was erected on its sides as the temple was undergoing restoration and renovation.
The chariot wheels
I noticed a crocodile-shaped granite water-spout and it really picked me. On one side of Jagamohan there were two big elephants and on another, two statues of horse trampling man under their feet. But these days’ people are trampling them! Security guards were asking them not to do so to preserve this heritage for long – long time but many people did not care.
There were many ruins of smaller temples beside the Sun Temple. It was an interesting tour of the Sun Temple; I liked it and understood why Konark Temple is so famous.
The crocodile shaped water spout
A statue of an elephant holding a men in its trunk in the complex
We came out of the complex and ate chaat which was very spicy. After that we went to our hotel to pack up and continue the journey. As I was bringing suitcases (with trolley) from our room, Tanmay ran to climb on it, sat on it and had a ride without walking, he was having fun. I too was enjoying carrying him.
The Konark Panthniwas Hotel had a big garden with different types of flowers blooming all over the area.