Archive · 9 Nov 2025
ASI Bars Entry to Konark Sun Temple's Nata Mandap for Visitor Safety
Imagine a beautiful, ancient stone temple shaped like a giant chariot!
This is the Konark Sun Temple.
The people who take care of it, called the ASI, have put up a fence around a special part called the Nata Mandap.
They did this because some people were getting hurt trying to take pictures or climb on it, and others were accidentally scratching the old stones.
Now, visitors can still see the amazing temple, but they can't climb on or touch this particular part anymore.
This is to keep everyone safe and to make sure the old carvings are protected for a long, long time.
The ASI has prohibited tourists from entering the 'Nata Mandap' of the Konark Sun Temple.
The restriction includes climbing the structure and touching the sculpted artworks.
The decision was made for visitor safety and the preservation of the ancient monument.
Past incidents included tourists falling while taking photos and damaging the monument by touching or scratching it.
Security personnel have been deployed to enforce the new entry restrictions.
- Who
- The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- What
- Restricted tourists from entering and climbing the 'Nata Mandap' of the Konark Sun Temple.
- When
- Effective November 8
- Where
- Konark Sun Temple, Puri district, Odisha
- Why
- To ensure visitor safety due to accidents while taking photos and to preserve the monument from damage caused by touching and scratching.
- Temple Name
- Konark Sun Temple
- Location
- Puri district, Odisha, India
- Restricted Area
- Nata Mandap
- Reason for Restriction
- Visitor safety and monument preservation
- Implementing Body
- Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- Date of Directive
- November 8
- UNESCO World Heritage Site Status
- 1984