Konark, 11th Nov 2025: Frequent accidents have been occurring at the historic Konark Sun Temple, with tourists reportedly getting injured. Keeping this in mind, the front area of the temple and the first Natamandap have been restricted for tourists. As a result, visitors can no longer climb the Natamandap to view the Kiritaraj and main temple from there. They are also not allowed to take selfies or photos from the Natamandap.
According to the instructions issued by the ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), tourists are not allowed to touch the Kiritaraj idol or any other sacred structure. Today, the ASI issued a strict prohibition order, and security guards have been deployed to ensure that tourists do not climb up.
Visitors from across the country and abroad who come to the Sun Temple traditionally used to climb the Natamandap via the stairs to witness the first rays of the sun touching the Kiritaraj idol during sunrise. The trained guides now explain the historical significance of the Ashtadhatu Sun idol in the main temple to the tourists instead, helping them understand the heritage without physical access to the Natamandap.
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