History of Raja’s Seat
This small square mandapa with a commanding view of the cliffs and valleys to the west is an attractive spot for lovers of nature. Here one can sit and enjoy the glorious scene of Sunrise and Sunset as Raja and his consorts did in the past. Hence, the name Raja seat.
(Source: Display Board)
Southern Hill Myna – This photo was taken at Club Mahindra in Madikeri (Karnataka).
Coorg Vinegar Tree Fruit also known as Kachampuli – This photo was taken at Club Mahindra in Madikeri (Karnataka).
Malabar Whistling Thrush – This photo was taken at Club Mahindra in Madikeri (Karnataka).
Our train was at 4:45 pm from Mangalore Junction. We started our journey by hired cab from Madikeri at 12 noon. After driving for approx. 56 km we stop at Hotel Elite situated on the left-hand side for a cup of coffee. The time was 1:25 pm. We re-started our journey for Mangalore Junction at 1:50 pm.
Another 64 km drive and a halt for toll tax. Rs. 20 paid. And 15 km more drive we reached Mangalore junction. The time was 3:20 pm. Road condition – good.
The total distance between Madikeri to Mangalore Junction is 135 km approx.
The total Journey Time between Madikeri to Mangalore Junction is 3 hours 20 minutes approx.
Matsyaganda Express was on time at Lokmanya Tilak Terminus at Kurla, Mumbai. The train reached Mangalore Central railway station before time. By 10:25 am we started our journey via a hired cab to Madikeri. After a few km of the journey, we paid Rs. 35 as toll tax.
12:15 noon hours we reached Sullia Town after driving a total of approx. 85 km. We thought of having a cup of coffee. We saw Cafe Day on the left-hand side. By now we have traveled a total of 88 km approx. but we skipped this option and stopped our vehicle at another shop after traveling a total of 92 km. We requested four cups of coffee and a packet of chips. Rs. 50 – we paid.
We re-continued our journey. 136 km total journey – we reached Madikeri Town.
1:30 pm – The time.
The Total journey from Mangalore Central Railway Station to Madikeri is 136 Km only.
Total journey time from Mangalore Central Railway Station till Madikeri is 3 hours approx.
The whole journey starting from Mumbai to Madikeri was interesting, especially the road journey. Lots of betel nuts plants, and rubber plants we saw during the road journey, and not to forget a small but beautiful waterfall at Ghat Road just a few km before Madikeri. The road condition was almost good.
In short, if you are visiting Coorg from Mumbai, you may travel via Mangalore instead of reaching Bangalore and then coming to Mysore and then to Coorg. Earlier we planned that way but then we canceled and traveled via Mangalore and it was good and time-saving too.
Coconut Water – One of the best natural drinks to have during a train journey, especially at the railway station. This was the first time till-date I saw a coconut vendor at the Kharagpur Railway Station. Without wasting any time, I requested one coconut. The drink was delicious. It is healthy for sure. Much better option to have in comparison to other food and drinks available at railway stations.
While returning from Sun Temple in Konark, we stopped at Pipili – famous for applique work. Local residents of Pipli are well known for colorful art on clothes locally known as Chandua. They are also excellent at making colorful umbrellas, decorative wall hangings, carpets, chandeliers, lady’s purses, pillow covers, and many other attractive items. Pipli is well known all over the World for artistic applique work. If you are in Puri Town (Pipili approx. 50 km distance), try to visit Pipili to appreciate this fantastic art. Men of Pipili are more into this art form than women which is new and interesting knowledge. The Kings of Pipili set up the village, especially for applique artists. Must visit for sure.
After covering approx. 50 km via 316 National Highway from our hotel in Puri we reached Konark while stopping before at Chandrabhaga Beach (36 km) to have a glimpse of the beach as well as nariyal pani to quench our thirst. As soon as we get down at Konark from our hired car a middle-aged guide accompanies us requesting to show Konark Sun Temple along with narration.
How much are the charges? – I question.
Rs. 200 – He said.
Ok – said I.
We purchased Rs. 10/- ticket per person to enter the temple area and what the guide narrated was really very useful.
My name is Madhusudan Patra. I will show your Surya Mandir in Konark. For the last 40 years since 1975, I am here working as a guide. I have learned knowledge from Archeology Survey. 1984-85 professional guides have started. I will show you and tell you about The History of Sun Temple, Konark.
Why the name is Konark?
Konark is a Sanskrit language word i.e., Kon + Ark – Konark.
Kon is the angle and Ark is Sun. Angular of the Sun.
You are here because of the blessings of Lord Jagannath.
Shankh, Chakra, Gada, Padma
Jagannath ie. Puri is known as Shankh shetra.
Chakra shetra is Lingraj at Bhubaneshwar.
Gada shetra is Girija devi ma at Jajpur in Cuttack.
Konark shetra is Padam shetra. Padam is lotus. When Sun rises, lotus opens.
Konark temple is built by Odisha King Languda Narasimhadeva to create importance of the political supremacy of his dynasty.
1238 – 1250 – 12 years to complete the temple.
1200 architects and artisans built the temple.
The temple cost 40 crores of gold Coins at that time but was not completed. The King ordered to complete the temple on a final said date and wanted to place a Kalash (Urn) on top of the temple. It is believed the King ordered – If not done all artists/architects will be killed.
Bishnu Maharana was the main architect. His child’s name was Dharmapada who was 12 years old. On the last day 12 year old child placed the Kalash to complete the temple. Later his body was found on the sea beach. Few said he committed suicide to save all 1200 laborers’ life. Thus, 12 is very important in this temple construction. Because Dharmapada did suicide here there is no offering or puja here in the temple.
The temple is built in three stages – 1. Balya (child) 2. Yuva (youth) and 3. Vridha (old).
Lingraj Temple at Bhubaneshwar was built in the 10th century. Jagannath Temple in Puri in the 11th – 12th century. Sun temple at Konark was built in the 13th century.
Before the temple, there was a port name as Kainapura on the confluence of the Chandrabhaga River and the sea.
It is also believed – Sambha was Lord Krishna and Jamvati‘s son affected by leprosy. Narad rishi sent him here to do tapasya (penance) for 12 years to cure leprosy. Since then this place is regarded as sacred.
For leprosy cure, there were three medicines available here.
1. Early Sun rays
2. Neem trees all around (early known as Maitrivana)
3. Chandrabhaga river and sea confluence which cures skin disease
Because their things can’t be easily found in one place that is why this place is important. It is said and believed visiting this location removes all sins and cures diseases of a person.
Thus, Konark importance as a kshetra is much earlier than the present Sun temple.
There are four temples here.
Sun temple is designed in the shape of the chariot of Lord Sun with seven horses and twenty-four wheels carrying Sun God.
7 horses represent 7 days in a week/7 colors of light, 24 anti-clock wheels – 24 fortnights, and 8 spokes indicate eight pahar (division).
Iron and monolith stone were used to make this temple. The first temple’s name is Rangmahala showing classical dance such as Odissi, Manipuri, Kathak, Bharatnatyam, Mridung, etc, etc.
There are three points from where Sun rays enter the temple. At each point, Sun rays pass for 4 months.
There are three idols made from one stone – Nara, Singha, and Gaja. Lion on top, then the white elephant, and then the man this indicates Sanatan, Buddha, and Hindu religion.
The wall of the temples contains wonderful artistic work showing various human emotions such as Darpan Sundari, Pigeon as a messenger, Towels used to dry hair, Women wearing Mangal Sutra, Classical Dance, sensuous modeling, Dragon, Narsingh, Pilgrimage, Shrawan Kumar, Marriage, Sunset, Bullock Cart, Cross table and many more..
Rabindra Nath said – “Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man”
Earlier Aruna pillar was here in front of the Sun temple. Shivaji Maharaj placed this pillar at Puri.
In 1903 the main temple door was closed due to falling stones but before that, from three points Sun rays directly place on top of the idol which was placed on the throne. That idol is right now at Puri.
The other temple here is Chayadevi – wife of Lord Sun. Saturn is the son of Chayadevi.
Wonderful information was shared. It was time to say bye. Thanks a lot. Amount paid. I was happy with the tour guide’s narration.