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Konark Temple is the most popular and major attraction of Konark in Orissa. Konark is located at an approximate distance of 65 kms from Bhubaneshwar and 35 kms from Puri. The term 'Konark' has been derived from 'Kona' and 'Arka' that means 'Corner' and 'Sun' respectively. Konark is actually positioned on the north-east corner of Puri, so this is how it came to be known as Konark. In 1250 AD, Konark temple was built by King Narsingha Deva to commemorate his victory over Muslims. The temple is basically dedicated to Lord Suyra or Sun God. Due to this fact, it is also popular as Sun Temple. The intricate carvings and rich sculpture make this temple truly a sight to behold.

The architecture of the temple makes one to admire the Orissan style of art. The special feature of this temple is that the shrine wholly erected in the form of a huge chariot. This chariot is placed on twelve pairs of splendidly carved wheels and drawn by seven dynamic horses. According to one saying, these 12 pair of wheels symbolizes 24 hours in a day, while the other say, these wheels represent 12 months of the year. Seven days of the week are said to be the representation of seven horses. The wheels of this chariot have an interesting fact behind their formation. Each wheel has a set of eight spokes and these spokes serve as sundials. The shadows made by these sundials give exact time of the day.