“Jatah Suryah Kalingeshu”
Pushya Dashami.
Shamba, Son of Lord Krishna said to have built this Sun temple in Konark followed by another one in Multan ( Pakisthan)
The temple is destroyed. Prayers there are long discontinued. But the collective memory of Odias still observe 2 rituals:
Today on the 10th day of the bright half of Paush, Shamba Dashami is observed in every household of Odisha. Samba, son of Lord Krishna, was afflicted by leprosy and was cured by the Sun God after 12 years of penance here at Konark.
On this day, mothers pray to Suryadev for the health of their children.
Ratha Saptami.
On the 7 th day of Magha (the spring festival) when ARKA the sun god’s first rays appear from the sea in the Agni KONA ( south east bay of Bengal ) KONARK awakens to millions taking holy dip.
This is the SECOND BIGGEST festival of Odisha after Car festival.
A God with leather boots
All the idols of Sun in the Konark temple depict exquisite workmanship. They have Iranian coat, high boots, scythean head-dress, a girdle round waist. Even the horses also point to their Iranian descent. So is the idol at Multan.
So much ancient history of Odisha is buried in this local festival.
( Shamba Dashami and Magha Saptami are festivals unique to Odisha)
Dr Ramakanta's Ideas 