ABSTRACT
The origins of the Sun Temple, or Sūrya Deula, at Konārak are obscure. Where history is silent, local traditions have supplied numerous legends to explain Konārak's origins. One of the most common of these states that Sāmba, son of Krishna (an avatar of Vishnu) built the temple as an offering of gratitude to Sūrya after the god cured him of leprosy. Sāmba, who was extremely handsome, had made fun of Nārada, a wise man very proud of his looks. In revenge, Nārada tricked Sāmba into watching his father's wives while they were bathing. When Krishna learned of Sāmba's spy ing, he cursed him with leprosy. Although Krishna regretted the curse when he learned that Sāmba had been tricked, he was unable to effect a cure and could only suggest that his son pray to Sūrya who, in addition to being the sun god, was also a healer. After twelve years, Sūrya gave Sāmba his blessing and told him to bathe in the sea at Konārak to be cured.
