Puri- the eternal vacation spot

As we reached the middle of the lake we were alerted to look for dolphins. Suddenly we saw movements at a distance as two dolphins jumped out of the water. We didn’t realize how we spent the next one hour viewing birds, enjoying the boat ride and occasional leaps of dolphins. The dolphins did not disappoint us and entertained us with their jumps. We reached a small island where a new mouth has been cut which has lent a new lease of life to the lagoon. We spent some time on the island exploring it and drinking coconut water. We also saw a few birds and crabs in the island. Fishermen were busy with their hauls and we saw them catching prawns.

Then our return journey started. We again enjoyed the view of the lake but this time we were a bit tired due to the journey.

Recently Chilka has fallen prey to commercial houses due to its aquaculture which had led to decline of the lake. But government and other NGOs are doing their bit to save this eco-system.

The sky was overcast with clouds. As we reached the bus terminus it started drizzling but it could not dampen the spirit of the tourists who had gathered there for a trip to Konark.

As we commenced our journey our guide started delivering a brief history of Sun Temple. Konark is a small city which shot to popularity due to the Sun Temple also known as Black Pagoda, built in 13^th century by King Narasimhadeva-I. The magnificent temple was designed in the shape of a colossal chariot drawn by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of exquisitely designed wheels carrying God Surya (Sun) across the heaven.

We were so absorbed in the stories and legends of Konark that did not realize that the concrete structures were giving way to marshy land and casuarinas groves. Cashew nut is also grown here but the cyclone had done much harm to the plantation which was evident from the sight of uprooted trees.

The salty wind indicated that we had reached the site. The sea was calm and the Sun temple loomed large in front of us.

At the entrance two lions, each crushing a war elephant which again laid on top of a human body guards the temple door. The Nata Mandir laid in front us where temple dancers performed dances in homage to the God.

I looked all over the place which spoke of the infinite energy of the Orissan artisans who worked for over twelve years to give shape to this majestic religious structure. Declared a World Heritage Site the Sun Temple is one of the sublime monuments of India made famous for its imposing dimensions and intricate artworks in minute patterns to free standing sculptures done with a jeweler’s precision. As I started roaming thee I could feel the harmonious presence of grace, joy and rhythm of life.

The main sanctuary is ruined due to vagaries of time and most of the artwork have been either chipped or broken due to cyclone but the remains still speak volumes about the fine traceries and scroll work.

We viewed the various floral and geometric patterns all around the temple. Each artwork has significance here. Like the figures in the giant wheel represent the twelve zodiac signs. There are various human, semi-divine and divine figures here in sensuous poses. The couples are shown in passionate postures derived from Kama Sutra.

The lush green meadows around soothed us. Our guide started hurrying up but I didn’t feel like leaving the place. The place exuded such grandeur and the sculptures were eloquent of their mysterious past. Slowly I trudged back to our bus. Still today the small replica of giant wheel of Konark standing on my reading table reminds me of one of the most memorable tours of my life.