“Here the language of stone surpasses the language of manโ, saysย Rabindranath Tagore, about the iconicย Sun Temple at Konark.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Konark Sun temple is a striking model of ancient artistry, the fluidity of ideas, and a pedagogic treasury. To dedicate the Sun god, Surya, the first rays of the Sun fall on the entrance of the temple. Much of the temple has fallen into rack and ruin but what remains still holds enough charm to captivate. An interpretation of a greater imagination, it has seen empires rise and fall, identities washed away, yet appealing to our sensorium even today.
Some Historical Facts:
A combination of the Sanskrit words Kona meaning corner and Arka meaning Sun- together it means the Corner of the Sun i.e ‘Konarka’. The temple was built by King Narasimha Deva of the Ganga Dynasty in 1250 AD, to mark his victory over the Muslim invaders. By the end of the 13th century, the Muslims had conquered the whole of northern India, except Orissa. Where the Hindu rulers deflected their attacks for quite some time. A great battle was fought between Tughan Khan (Nasiruddin Muhammad’s General) andย Narsimhadeva, where Narsimhadeva badly defeated him. Thus, the Kirti Stambha (victory memorial) was erected, as a symbol of his prestige.
๐๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ง๐ ๐๐ช๐ฃ ๐๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ก๐, ๐๐๐๐จ๐๐ – ๐ผ ๐๐ค๐๐ฉ๐ง๐ฎ ๐๐ฃ ๐๐ฉ๐ค๐ฃ๐
Annals of the Mughal Era and various sailors of the time mentioned a gigantic Black Pagoda at the confluence of Chandrabhaga and Bay of Bengal that marked an important entrance to the country and that the pagoda would help navigate their ships when compasses would go wrong around the area. About 70 km from Bhubaneshwar (the capital city of Odisha) stands this dying temple, where still etched in the stone, lies a rhapsody of Kalingaโs ancient glory โ The Sun Temple of Konark, the same Black Pagoda.
Famous for its Sun Temple, Konark has always been a magnet for tourists from all around the globe. The sheer magnificence of the Konark Sun temple makes this coastal city one of the must-visit destinations in India. It is a true culmination of sand and architecture. Once you visit, it’s the most famous landmark (urf the Surya temple), you are bound to be left lost for words! Though there is always a religious undertone associated with any temple visit, but Konark Sun Templeโs architecture and history are so attractive that they can mesmerize even the atheists!
Information About Konark Sun Temple
Just like any other ancient temple, the Konark Sun Temple also has exquisite and interesting carvings all over the temple.
1200 master craftsmen and 12 long years of dedication built a masterpiece that has gone down in the annals of time. The Konark Sun Temple is one of the most magnificent architectural wonders built during the middle of the 13th century under the patronage of King Narasimha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. Situated in Odisha, Konark is a quaint town on the east coast of Bay of Bengal.
Outstanding Universal Value in regards to myth
Myths and legends go hand in hand with all the ancient monuments of the country. You will definitely find interesting stories and folklores behind all these great architectures. Konark Sun Temple is also not an exception. But, the legend here is a little unnerving. It tells the tale of a bright 12-year-old boy who sacrificed his life to save the lives of 1200 craftsmen. And, that’s what make this monument a beautiful Chronicle.
The temple is known for its impressiveย Kalinga architecture that includes a depiction of a 100 ft high chariot being pulled by horses and wheels carved out of a single stone. The monument portrays the imposing chariot of the sun god. Built of Khondalite rocks, the original temple had 230 ft high sanctum which no longer exists, 128 ft high audience hall, dance hall, dining hall which, survive still. There are 24 intricately designed wheels, 12 ft in diameter which are seen drawn by horses. These seven horses represent the week, the wheels stand for the 12 months while the day-cycle is symbolized by the eight spokes in the wheels. And this whole depiction tells how the time is controlled by the sun โ is the very illustration of the Surya in the Hindu mythology traveling from the east in his chariot escorted by his charioteer, Aruna.
The entrance leads to the shrine of the deity of Surya made of chlorite stone. The walls of the temple are adorned with reliefs โ intricate carvings of various figures including Hindu gods, images of the everyday mortal life, birds, animals, and more. The temple also has erotic sculptures on its shikhara belonging to the tantra tradition. The wheels of the temple can be used as sundials and can very well predict the time.
Mayadevi Temple
Discovered in 1909 during the excavations, it lies to the west of the Sun temple. An important temple in the complex this is dedicated to Mayadevi – the wife of Surya, the temple is older than the Sun temple built around the 11th century. Its sanctum houses a Nataraja, and other chambers of the temple have idols of Surya with Vishnu, Vayu, Agni. The temple was considered by some as another temple made to worship sun god but a few believe that it was dedicated to the wife of Surya.
Konarak Sun Temple, Konark, Puri District, Odisha
โ Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man ….โsays Rabindranath Tagore about Konark,the black pagoda, and no wonder you have matched the said description by delineating the different aspects of this world heritage site.Kudos to you the story teller.Congratulations.๐โค๏ธ๐
Humbled by your kind words. ๐