Konark is a town in the Puri district of Odisha, India, on the coast by the Bay of Bengal, 65 kilometres (40 mi) from the state capital, Bhubaneswar. It is the site of the 13th-century Sun Temple, also known as the Black Pagoda, built in black granite during the reign of Narasingha Deva I. The temple is a World Heritage Site. The temple is now mostly in ruins, and a collection of its sculptures is housed in the Sun Temple Museum, which is run by the Archaeological Survey of India.
[Image of Konark Sun Temple in Odisha]

The Konark Sun Temple is a unique example of Kalinga architecture, which is characterized by its intricate carvings and massive proportions. The temple is said to have been built in the shape of a chariot, with 24 wheels and 7 horses. The wheels are decorated with scenes from Hindu mythology, while the horses are said to be representations of the sun's rays.

The temple was built to honor the sun god Surya, and it is believed that the rays of the rising sun would once have shone directly onto the main deity of the temple. However, the temple was severely damaged by a cyclone in 1784, and it has since been in ruins.

Despite its current state, the Konark Sun Temple remains an important cultural and architectural landmark. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Odisha.