Narasimha Deva I, popularly known as Langula Narasimha, (AD 1238-1264), the great Ganga monarch whose kingdom was extended from the Ganga in the north to the Godavari in the south is credited to have constructed the colossal Konark Surya Mandir (Konark Sun temple).
Although there is no mention of it in records of Narasimha himself, a copper plate inscription (verse 86) of Narasimha II, dating to Saka year 1217 (1295 AD) records that “king Narasimha built at Kona-Kona, a place of great renown, a temple for the Sun to live in with the other gods” which is also repeated in the laudatory verses of succeeding Ganga rulers.
King Narasimha of the verse has been taken to be Narasimha I of the Ganga dynasty, who, according to chronology ruled in Orissa from 1238 AD to 1264 AD. In literature and tradition, Narasimha-I is referred to as Langula Narasimha.
In the Madala Panji, it is recorded that Langula Narasimha Deva laid the foundation of the temple in the thirdanka. It is also mentioned that he appointed Shivai Samantara Mahapatra as superintendent for building the temple.
The image of Surya was installed on Sunday, the seventh day of Magha Sukla Paksha (Magha Shukla Saptami), 1258 AD.
It is believed that 1200 artisans completed the grand monument after 12 long years and the consecration of the temple was held on Sunday which falls on Magha Shukla Saptami. The name of the chief architect was Bishu Maharana.
Myths and mystery associated with Konark Sun Temple
According to Puranas, Samba, son of Sri Krishna and Jambavati was overly proud of his handsome appearance and once ridiculed the divine sage Narada. Narada who even ordinarily was known as a mischief-maker, took recourse to an unsaintly scheme to avenge himself. By a cunning device he led Samba to the secret bathing place of his stepmothers who were struck with his personal charm and wanted to enjoy his company. Slipping quietly, Narada led Krishna to this spot. Incensed at his son’s apparent lack of propriety, Krishna cursed him to be smitten with leprosy which would obviously affect his beauty.
Panic-stricken Samba pleaded his innocence, but as the curse could not be withdrawn, he was advised to practice penance in the Maitreyavana/ Mitravana, near the Chandrabhaga river for 12 years to propitiate Surya (Sun God), the healer of all skin diseases to cure him of his disease.
Samba acted upon the advice. After 12 years of severe penance, Samba succeeded in pleasing the Sun God and was cured of his illness. In gratitude, he decided then and there to erect a temple in honour of God.
The next morning, while Samba was taking bath in the Chandrabhaga, he discovered an image of Surya standing on a lotus pedestal holding two lotuses in both hands.
He carried the image to his Ashrama (hermitage in the Mitravana) and installed it in a temple built by him.
According to the Bhavishya Purana, as the local Brahmins did not agree to worship the image, Samba brought eighteen Maga/ Magha families (the sun worshippers) from Shakadvipa (Iran) who not only performed the rituals but also popularized the cult of sun worship in this part of the country.
