India is a home to a number of magnificent historical masterpieces that has always kept all over the world mesmerized about our vast culture and civilizations. Orissa’s Konark Sun Temple is one of those mesmerizing masterpieces. It is believed that the temple is built somewhere in 1243-1255 AD, i.e., in the 13th century, by one of the kings of Eastern Ganga Dynasty, Narasimhadeva I. In our this post, we will be unveiling a few facts about this splendid structure.
Unveiling Facts About Konark Sun Temple
1. Chariot Like Structure
The impressive architecture of Konark Sun Temple is designed in such a way that it appears like a chariot. A chariot which is consisted of 24 wheels, each of about 10 meters in diameter and is drawn by 7 royal horses.
2. Called As Black Pagoda
This temple is also quite popular with the name ‘black pagoda’. The name is the result of its dark colored structure. It is believed that initially, the temple was built near the beach of the sea. But, later, the sea moved a further back from its earlier position. This masterpiece was used by the ancient sailors for navigational purpose.
3. Wheels Of The Chariot Are An Inspiration For Modern Day Watches
The base wheels of the chariot like temple have something different but inspirational about it. The spokes of the wheel are considered to create sundial which can help in estimating a precise time by looking at the shadow of the spokes.
4. Scientific Approach
The main idol of the temple is in a floating state. The structure is a perfect scientific construction with the help of iron plates and magnet placements.
5. Complete Package Of Art, Culture, and Life
The whole Konark Sun Temple is covered with sculptures of deities, dancers. It also represents a number of situations we face in our life.
6. Orientation Of Diamond
The diamond which is placed at the center of the idol is very brilliantly oriented as it reflects the sun rays penetrating it far from the coast.
7. Significance of The Entrance
The entrance of the temple is decorated with two sculptures of a human body lying beneath an elephant which is being crushed by a giant lion. It signifies the mortality of humans as well as the problems faced by us.
8. The Sun Idol
The idol of the sun which was the center of attraction of the Konark Sun Temple was removed by the Raja of Khurda in 1627. He placed that sun idol in the Jagannath Temple, Puri.
9. Construction Period Of The Temple
The temple took continuous 12 years for its completion. It was built with the help of 1200 artisans from the thirteenth century.
Konark Sun Temple is a perfect example of Hindu mythology which represents historical architecture with a scientific approach.
Also read: World’s largest Hindu temple under construction in New Jersey
Tiru Dehariya
