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Background

Sun Temple

Konark, Odisha

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Konark sun temple is one of the most interesting and unique temples all over India. The temple is also called Surya deula in Odisha. It was built in the 13Th century CE. IT is situated around 35kms Northeast of Puri alongside the coastline of Odisha. The temple is a virtue to king Narasimha, who was the ruler of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty around 1250 CE.

Architecture

The architecture of Konark sun temple follows the Kalinga style of construction. The 12 pair of wheels corresponds to 12 months of the Hindu Calendar. The 24 wheels measure 12 feet in diameter and are carved beautifully. The 7 horses are designed in such a way that they always seem like pulling the chariot with all their strength. During dawn and at the time of sunrise, it feels like the horses are coming from the depths of the blue sea, carrying the sun along with it.

The general construction of the temple adheres to square and circle geometry. This temple is also called Deu; surrounded by various shrines dedicated to other Hindu gods and goddesses. Another section which is in front of this is called Jagamohana(mainly known as Mandapa in other parts of India). Jagamohana and the Main Temple comprised four areas: the platform, the wall, the trunk, and the mistake(Crowning head).  On the East side of the shrine is called Nata Mandira(the dance temple), which is carved beautifully and stands on a high platform.

The stones which are used in the construction of this temple are- Chlorite, Laterite, and Khondalite. These all are the different types of Sandstones. The Khondalite stones withers quickly and because of that, the erosion in the temple is clearly seen in the temple complex. Various areas of the temple are damaged due to erosion.

Timings of Temple

Visiting Hours

Sunday6am–8pm
Monday6am–8pm
Tuesday6am–8pm
Wednesday6am–8pm
Thursday6am–8pm
Friday6am–8pm
Saturday6am–8pm

Built in Kashi for the World

ॐ सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः