Factales

Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century AD Sun Temple at Konark in Odisha, India.  A major part of the structure is now in ruins.  The temple is 35 km from Puri and 65 km from Bhubaneswar.

Here are 10 interesting facts about sun temple konark.

UNESCO World Heritage Site

 With distinctive model of antique architecture, Konark’s sun temple is the only unesco’s world heritage site in the state of Odisha India. The temple has also featured on various list of Seven Wonders of India.

Artistic Splendor and Engineering Efficiency

 King Narasimhadeva I, the best ruler of the ganga empire had built this temple, with the help of 1200 artisans from 1243-1255 ad (13th century).a regular period of 12 long years.

Chariot Based Construction

 The temple complex is in the shape of a gigantic chariot, having elaborately carved stone wheels, pillars and walls. Konark temple was designed in the form of a beautifully decorated chariot mounted on 24 wheels. Each wheel about 10 feet in diameter, and drawn by 7 powerful horses.

Black Pagoda

The monument was also called the Black Pagoda'(Kaala Pagoda) by the European sailors due to its dark colour. In contrast, the Jagannath Temple in Puri was called the White Pagoda. Both temples served as important landmarks for the sailors. Konark temple was built on the sea bank. But now the sea has receded and the temple is on small distance from the beach. 

Devoted To Lord Surya

 The temple worship lord Surya (the sun god).shaped like a giant chariot, the temple is famous for the beautiful stone carvings that cover the whole structure.

The wheels at sun temple Konark serve as exact sun dials and are inspiration for the modern time watches.

 The key attraction of the temple is its 12 pairs of wheels located at the base of the temple. These wheels are not normal wheels but show time as well – the spokes of the wheels make a sundial. One can analyze the exact time of the day by just looking at the shade cast by these spokes.

The science behind the construction

A massive magnet was placed at the temple top and each two stones of the temple are inserting by iron plates. The idol was said to have been floating in air due to the arrangement of magnets. The distinctive arrangement of the main magnet combined with the other magnets caused the main idol of the temple to float in air.

Instructing mortality

The konark sun temple has two huge lions on both side of the entry. Each lion is shown grave an elephant. Beneath every elephant lies the human body. Lion represents pride and elephant represents money. Problems faced by human beings shown in one shot.

Orientation on the shore

Every day, the sun’s rays would reach the Nata Mandir from the coast and reflects from the diamond placed at the center of the idol. During the colonial time, these magnets had been removed by the Britishers to get the magnetic stone.

Architectural marvel

 Each single piece of the konark sun temple is covered with statue consisting of deities, dancers, scenes of life at court, etc. Konark temple has its own separate appeal.

A worth visiting temple in one's life !