Chandrabhaga beach at Konark
Chandrabhaga beach at Konark. Chandrabhaga Beach is situated in the coastal village of Chandrabhaga in Puri District of Odisha/Odisha. It is situated on the Bay of Bengal, at a distance of 3 km from the World Heritage Site of the Sun Temple of Konark. Considered among the finest beaches along the eastern coast of India, Chandrabhaga Beach is popular among solitude seekers and pilgrims.
Chandrabhaga Beach derived its name from the sacred River Chandrabhaga, which once flowed through the precincts of the Sun Temple of Konark, towards the Bay of Bengal. Chandrabhaga Beach used to be the river mouth of River Chandrabhaga in the past. Though River Chandrabhaga is reduced in its volume today, it retains its mythological value and holiness.
According to a legend, Chandrabhaga, the daughter of a sage, killed herself by drowning in the river to protect her chastity from Surya, the Sun God. It is believed that Lord Surya, in repentance, blessed the river with medicinal properties and named it as ‘Chandrabhaga’. It is believed that a dip in River Chandrabhaga can cure leprosy. Prince Shambha, the son of Lord Krishna, was cured of leprosy by Lord Surya on the river mouth of Chandrabhaga.
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People of Odisha visit Chandrabhaga Beach on Magha Saptami day to take a holy dip in the confluence of River Chandrabhaga and the Bay of Bengal and offer special prayers to Lord Surya. Chandrabhaga Mela is yet another cultural activity held at Chandrabhaga Beach, which is a seven day fair to honor Lord Surya.
Chandrabhaga Beach plays an important role in the cultural and traditional identity of Odisha. It witnessed the rise and fall of the Sun Temple of Konark. Chandrabhaga Beach, which is famous for its long stretch of golden sand bordered with casuarinas, is counted among the best beaches in India due to its ideal spot on the eastern coast.
The beach holds an important place in the map of Odisha tourism. Chandrabhaga Beach, apart from pilgrimage and cultural activities, offers activities like sunbathing, surfing, swimming, etc. it is also famous for its sunrise views. Chandrabhaga Beach also offers excursions to tourist destinations like Gopalpur Beach, Puri, Chilika Lake, and Birds Sanctuary, Bhubaneswar, etc.
Chandrabhaga Beach is well connected to other destinations in Orissa/Odisha by road. The nearest airport and railhead to Chandrabhaga Beach is situated at Puri, which is about 31 km away. The beach can be visited round the year.
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