The famous Konark Sun Temple, dedicated to the Sun God, is situated in which Indian state?

Introduction / Context:
The Konark Sun Temple is one of India's most iconic monuments and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is often mentioned in questions on Indian art, architecture, and tourism. Many competitive exams ask where the Sun Temple is located, expecting candidates to link the temple's distinctive chariot-like structure and stone carvings with the correct Indian state. This question checks your knowledge of cultural geography and important historical temples.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question refers to the famous Sun Temple, understood in GK context as the Konark Sun Temple.
• We must identify the state where this temple stands.
• Options are Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, and None of the above.
• We assume that only one of these states is correct for the UNESCO-listed Konark Sun Temple.

Concept / Approach:
Konark Sun Temple is located near the Bay of Bengal coastline in eastern India. It is designed as a stone chariot of the Sun God with massive wheels and horses carved in stone. This temple is in the state of Odisha, between the cities of Puri and Bhubaneswar. While other states also have important temples, the phrase Sun Temple in standard GK almost always points to Konark in Odisha unless otherwise specified.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recognise that the most famous Sun Temple in Indian GK is the Konark Sun Temple. Step 2: Recall that Konark is located in the eastern coastal state of Odisha. Step 3: Note that Rajasthan is known for forts and palaces, not for the Konark Sun Temple. Step 4: Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu have many important temples, but the Sun Temple at Konark does not lie in those states. Step 5: Conclude that Odisha is the correct state where this temple is situated.

Verification / Alternative check:
Tourism brochures refer to the Bhubaneswar–Puri–Konark triangle as a key pilgrimage and tourism circuit in Odisha. UNESCO listings clearly place the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha. Additionally, school textbooks on Indian art and architecture describe it as an example of Kalinga architecture, which is historically associated with the region of present day Odisha. None of these references place Konark in Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, or Tamil Nadu, confirming that Odisha is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Rajasthan: Known for its forts and desert palaces; the Sun Temple at Konark is not located here. Andhra Pradesh: Has important temples like Tirupati, but the famous Sun Temple in question lies elsewhere. Tamil Nadu: Famous for Dravidian style temples such as Meenakshi and Brihadeeswara, not Konark. None of the above: Incorrect because Odisha is present among the options and is the correct choice.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes confuse Konark with other sun temples or with major temple states like Tamil Nadu simply because those states are very well known for temples. Another pitfall is to treat the question as ambiguous and choose None of the above. To avoid mistakes, it is useful to memorise a few strong state–monument pairings, such as Konark–Odisha, Khajuraho–Madhya Pradesh, and Meenakshi Temple–Tamil Nadu.

Final Answer:
The famous Konark Sun Temple is situated in the state of Odisha.