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The Museum Of Archaeological Survey Of India
The museum which is just outside the temple enclosure, houses
sculptures and carvings from the ruins of the Sun Temple. The stone
architrave inside it, bearing images of nine planet dieties, the
Navagrahas, originally sat above one of the temple's ornamental
doorways, and is now kept as a living shrine.
Konark
Beach
The beach, 3 kms away from the temple along the Puri road, is
very picturesque and you can get the glimpses of the local fishing
fleet at work. The sunrise at this beach is a feast for the eyes.
Also an ideal site for a spot of sun-bathing.
Balighai Beach - a secluded
silver stretch, girdled by casuarinas forests.
Kuruma
Approachable by jeeps, Kuruma, a site of Buddhist archaeological
discoveries, is only 8 kms from Konark. Recent excavations have
thrust this little village into the limelight with the discovery of
antique images of the Buddha seated in Bhumisparsa Mudra alongwith
the image of Heruka.
Chaurasi
Chaurasi is the site of the shrines dedicated to Laxminarayanan,
Amareshras and Barahi. Barahi is a deity dating back to the 9th
century AD, worshipped according to tantrik practices. She is a
mother goddess with the face of a boar and is depicted holding a
fish in one hand and a cup in another.
Pipli
On the way to Konark is Pipli, famous for its exquisite applique
work, which depict the essence of Oriya culture. It is also the home
of the most colourful and original awnings, canopies, garden and
beach umbrellas, shoulder and hand bags etc. The cocktail effect of
the colours is certainly a feast for the eyes.
Ramachandi
A beautiful spot, 7 kms from Konark, Ramachandi is located at the
confluence of the river Kusabhadra and the Bay of Bengal. The deity
of Konark, Goddess Ramachandi, is worshipped here.
Kakatapur
45 kms from Konark, Kakatapur is located in the Prachi valley and
is famous for its shrines of Goddess Mangala and Banadurga. legend
has it that the directions for reaching the holy log from which is
created Lord Jagannath's icon comes from her. The famous 'Jhamu
Yatra' is held in April-May when devotees walk over a narrow trench
strewn with embers.
Astranga
A famous fishing harbour, Astranga lies 55 kms from Konark.
Washed by the waters of the Bay of Bengal, with its magnificent
sunsets, the place really lives upto its name.
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