LEGEND OF DHARMAPADA
The Sun Temple of Konark has several fascinating legends associated with its construction and origin. One of the most popular stories is tied to the devotion and sacrifice of a young boy named Dharmapada.
According to the legend, King Narasimhadeva I commissioned the construction of the Sun Temple, and 1,200 artisans worked on it for 12 years. Despite their dedicated efforts, they struggled to install the crowning stone (kalasha) on the top of the temple, which was crucial for its completion.
The king had declared that if the temple was not completed within the stipulated time, all the artisans would be executed. As the deadline approached, the artisans became increasingly anxious. At that time, a 12-year-old boy named Dharmapada, the son of the chief architect Bishu Maharana, arrived at the site.
Though Bishu Maharana had left his home when his wife was pregnant, Dharmapada had grown up hearing about his father's work on the magnificent temple. When he learned of the artisans' plight, he examined the construction and ingeniously suggested a solution. Following his guidance, the crowning stone was finally placed, completing the temple.
However, the artisans feared that if the king learned a mere boy had succeeded where they had failed, they would still face punishment. To protect his father's reputation and save the artisans, Dharmapada made the ultimate sacrifice—he leapt into the waters of the Chandrabhaga River from the top of the temple.
The legend portrays Dharmapada as a symbol of wisdom, sacrifice, and dedication. Even today, his story resonates with the people of Odisha, adding a mystical aura to the majestic Sun Temple.
