A tour to Orissa is incomplete if you do not visit the thirteenth-century “Konark Sun Temple”.The word “Konark” implies Kona as a corner, and Ark as Sun. This beautiful temple is devoted to the Sun god. It is the most important monument of religious worth; a true masterwork of construction that proudly stands as Sun Temple at Konark.
This temple is a finale of Oriya architecture. It is a delightful place as the language of this masterwork defeats the human language. Konark Sun Temple is considered to be the most fabulous monuments in the world. If you plan to visit this popular place, you need to know some of the interesting facts and intriguing history of this place.
Top 10 Fascinating Facts About the Konark Sun Temple, Odisha
1. Facts About the Architecture
Konark Sun temple is constructed at the opening of the Chandrabhaga River. It was constructed in a way that the initial ray of the sun will fall on the massive sun idol that is kept within the main complex of the temple. Till today, any person can follow the instruction and compute the time by looking at the sun’s rays that fall on the wheels called “Sundials”.Recognized as an architectural prodigy, the entire temple structure is constructed like Sun God that strongholds chariot drawn by 7 horses on twelve wheels.
The entire structure of this temple is made using black granite. It has taken 12 years the completion the architecture. Konark’s Sun Temple is known for its engineering dexterity and artistic magnificence. King Narasimhadeva I, a great monarch of the Ganga dynasty had constructed this shrine with the assistance of twelve hundred artists from 1243AD to 1255 AD. Every piece of this temple is enclosed via sculptures of dancers, deities, etc.
This work was performed by skilled artists from different parts of the world. It entices devotees from different parts of the world who seek spiritual solace, and blessing. It is an amazing blend of marvelous architecture, captivating peace, and warm hospitality. Every year, this temple sees plenty of devotees, tourists, and travelers throughout the globe.
2. Facts About the Temple’s Construction on a Chariot
Konark Sun temple is based on Chariot Based Construction. It was designed as an elegantly ornated chariot that is mounted on twenty-four wheels. Each of these wheels is about ten feet in diameter. It lies close to the shore of the Bay of Bengal. The sight of this temple is marvelous, and the architectural design is extraordinary.
3. Facts About the Location on the Sea Shore
Konark Temple is constructed on the seashore, but the level of this sea has reduced and the shrine is a little distance away from the shore. The 13thcentury temple is currently conserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. It is a pictorial treat for all history buffs. The temple lies a distance of 1. 5 km from Konark town.
The interior of this part is effectively closed due to security concerns. We can only see the beauty, and marvel of the exterior portion. When this temple is viewed sideways from a little distance, then you get the complete view of this temple as a type of chariot run by horses, with 12 wheels present on both sides.
4. Facts About Sundials at the Temple
The major attraction of this shrine is its 12 pairs of wheels that set its foundation. These temple wheels are not ordinary wheels, they serve as precise sundials and inspiration for advanced day watches. It is possible for a person to look at the shadow cast by the spokes, and compute the right time of the day.
Read Also: Konark Dance and Music Festival: Dates, Ticket, Schedule, History
5. Facts About its UNESCO World Heritage Status
Konark Sun Temple comes with a distinctive style of ancient architecture. It is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site present in Odisha state.
6. Facts About the Science Behind Its Construction
A heavy magnet is positioned at the top of the Konark temple. Another distinctive feature of this temple is that every two stones of it are sandwiched in between iron plates.
The arrangement of the magnets in the temple is that it looks like the idol floats in the air. The distinctive arrangement of the primary magnet along with other magnets is done in a way that the primary idol of the temple resembles floating in the air.
7. Facts About Its Symbolism of Mortality
The Konark Sun temple has got two mighty sculptures of lions that are present on either side of its entrance. Each lion is displayed in an act of crushing an elephant. Under each elephant is present the human body. Here, in this picture, the elephant represents money and the lion represents pride. It symbolizes that a man should not become overly dependent on money and should reduce his craving and desire for money. This type of realization will eliminate a lot of problems that human beings face in this materialistic world.
8. Facts About Its Symbolizes of Time
The golden temple symbolizes the passage of time under the control of the Sun God. The 7 horses, that pull the Konark Sun temple in the eastward direction towards the sunrise, represent the total days in a week. The twelve pairs of wheels of the temple chariot represent the twelve months of the year. The 8 spokes present in each wheel represent the 8 stages of a woman’s day.
The temple lies close to the shore of the sea. It is a magnificent illustration of the Indian engineering and construction of that time. The Sun Konark temple is the place where Sun God is worshiped. The best part of this story is related to temple construction. The rays of the sun fall on each and every massive wheel of this temple in a gap of one hour
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9. Facts About the Orientation on the Beach
The rays of the Sun reach the Nata Temple from the coast and imitates the diamond that lies in the middle region of the idol present in the Sun temple. During the colonial time period, such magnets got eliminated by the Britishers in order to obtain the magnetic stone.
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10. Facts About the Nickname “Black Pagoda”
Due to the dark color of the temple, the Konark Sun temple is kenned as a ‘Black Pagoda‘. It has been majorly used by ancient sailors in the form of a navigational landmark to reach Odisha.
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