Sun Temple, Konark – Literary Works

Sun Temple, Konark – Literary Works

The temple had been mentioned in numerous poems, stories, and novels. The following authors wrote their literary works based on or inspired by Konark:

Sachidananda Routray:

Sachidananda Routray was the second Odia to win the Jnanpith Award, considered the highest literary award in India. His most famous work is the long poem Baji Rout, which narrates the story of courage and sacrifice by a child, similar to the tale of Dharmapada and his sacrifice for the masons who built Konark. He has written many poems based on the legends of Konarka:

·      Bhanga Mandira

·      Konarka

Gopabandhu Das:

Gopabandhu Das was a notable social activist and writer in pre-independence India, who was instrumental in the formation of the state of Odisha. His epic poem Dharmapada is one of the landmarks in Odia literature.

Mayadhar Mansingh:

Mayadhar Mansingh is a noted Odia poet and writer, who was popularly known for the romantic and erotic metaphors in his work, earning him the nickname of Premika kabi (Lover poet). His poems on Konark include:

·      Konarka

·      Konarkara Lashya Lila

·      Mumurshu Konarka

Manoj Das:

Manoj Das is a celebrated Odia writer, with a Kendra Sahitya Academy Award to his name, among many other recognitions and awards. His second book of poems, Kabita Utkala (published in 2003), has four poems on Konark

·      Dharmapada: Nirbhul Thikana

·      Bruntahina Phulara Sthapati: Sibei Santara

·      Konark Sandhane

·      Kalapahadara Trushna: Ramachandi

Pratibha Ray:

Pratibha Ray is a modern Odia novelist and short story writer who has found both critical and commercial success. Her book Shilapadma (published in 1983) won the Odisha Sahitya Academy Award and has been translated to six other languages.

Mohanjit:

Mohanjit is a renowned Punjabi poet. His book of poems, Kone Da Suraj, which revolves around Konark, won the Kendra Sahitya Academy Award (one of the top awards for literature in India) for Punjabi language.

Jhumpa Lahiri:

The Sun Temple is the setting of "Interpreter of Maladies," a short story in Jhumpa Lahiri's Pulitzer Prize winning collection of the same name.