Knowledge about historical monuments of India Part – 8 KONARK SUN TEMPLE

 Knowledge about historical monuments of India

Part – 8

KONARK SUN TEMPLE

It was one of the earliest centres of Sun worship in India. Built around 1250 in the reign of King Narasingha Deva (1238-64) .

● Construction

The Konark Sun Temple was built in the 13th century by King Narasingha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. It was one of the first centers of Sun worship in India.

● Design

The temple was designed to represent the sun god Surya’s chariot, with 12 large carved stone wheels and seven stone horses. The temple’s exterior is covered with intricate carvings, including depictions of mythical beings, birds, animals, and erotic scenes.

● Location

The temple is located on the eastern shores of the Indian subcontinent, close to the Bay of Bengal. The name “Konark” comes from the Sanskrit words kona (“corner”) and arka (“sun”). The temple was built on the northeast corner of the Jagannath Temple at Puri.

● Significance

The Konark Sun Temple is considered an outstanding example of temple architecture and art. It’s one of India’s most famous Brahman sanctuaries and a UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

● Wheels

The temple’s 24 wheels represent the wheels of Surya’s sun chariot. The 12 wheels represent the 12 months of the year, and the 8 spokes represent the 8 prahars, or time divisions of the day.