LegendsSimilar to other famous Indian temples, the Konark sun temple is also associated with various popular legends. Some of the legends highlight the sanctity and puranic importance of the place (kshetra), chosen by King Narasimhadeva for constructing the temple, whereas other legends are associated with the construction of the temple. These legends and folktales also attempt to bridge the gap between the original structure and design of the temple and the current dilapidated structure of the sun temple. When you decide to see the ancient wonder of Odia art and architecture, it becomes significant to familiarize yourself with some of the most popular legends associated with the world famous Konark sun temple which have become an integral part of the Odia culture and heritage.
Legend of Lord Krishna’s Son Samba
The popular legend associated with the Konark sun temple that tries to link the place with Lord Krishna. According to this legend, Samba, son of Lord Krishna was affected by leprosy after being cursed by his father. He tried all types of remedies, but to no avail. Finally, he chose a place called Mitravana, located near the confluence of Chandrabhaga river and the sea near Konark. Lord Surya was pleased with the severe penance performed by Samba over a period of twelve years and relieved him from the curse. After being cured from leprosy due to the blessings of the Lord Surya, Samba decided to express his gratitude to the god by building a temple near Konark. The legend also mentions that the current monument was constructed on the exact spot where Samba has built the sun temple in the Dwapar age.
Legend of Sivai Santra
It is also one of the popular legends associated with the ancient monuments associated with the construction of the Konark sun temple. According to this popular folklore, when stones were thrown into a pool to build the foundation of the sun temple, the Raghab fish was swallowing up the stones. This event had a huge impact on the minds of the King Narasimhadeva and his minister Sivai Santra. Goddess Dharna (supplication), was also distressed deeply due to the difficulty faced by the artisans to lay the foundation of the sacred temple.
She appeared before Sivai Santra in the disguise of an old lady and offered him a leaf covered with kheer. Sivai immediately put his hand in the middle of the hot kheer and ended up in scalding his finger. Seeing this action, the goddess said, “Hey foolish fellow! Why are you behaving like the foolish Sivai Santra,” When the minister wanted to know the reason behind the comparison, the goddess revealed the secret tactic that the foundation can be laid by throwing in from the sides to avoid being consumed by the Raghab fish. After this event, the foundation of the Konark Sun temple was constructed by casting the stones from the sides of the pool.
Legend of Dharmapada
The Legend of Dharmapada is an integral part of the Odia literature, culture and traditions. It is probably the most significant and popular legend associated with the completion of the monument. As per this legend, 1,200 carpenters were engaged by the King Narasimhadeva to construct the temple by working uninterruptedly over a period of 12 years. So the carpenters had to spend the time by being away from their loved ones. Dharmapada was the 12 year-old son of Bishu Moharana, the head of the masons. After growing into manhood, he decided to visit the temple to meet his father. His mother gave him barakoli, a variety of berry, growing in a tree planted at their courtyard. Dharmapada undertook a long journey to reach the spot, where the sun temple was being constructed.
However, after meeting his father, Dharmapada came to know about the problem faced by the masons to complete the construction of the sun temple. One day after the masons completed their work, Dharmapada asked his father’s permission to check and help in resolving the problem. To everybody’s surprise, the 12 years old boy was able to complete the task that was not possible in spite of the combined efforts of the 12,000 masons. But the masons complained to Bishu Moharana that they will end up losing their lives, when King Narasimhadeva came to know about Dharmapada’s achievements.
Now Bishu was in a catch 22 position; he could not sacrifice his beloved son, nor could he be responsible for the death of his fellow masons. Dharmapada decided to solve this crisis by sacrificing his own life. He climbed to the top of the monument and jumped into the sea to keep his achievement a secret. But the Odias have not forgotten his sacrifice even after a number of centuries. Dharmapada is still alive as a legend and source for many literary masterpieces.
