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QOW #3 | Sun Temple Konark | Konark temple | World Heritage

QOW#3 | Konark Sun Temple: In today's article, you will get complete information about the sun temple of Konark. 

Sun temple konark


QOW #3 | Which is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Odisha, India? (ओडिशा का एकमात्र यूनेस्को विश्व धरोहर स्थल कौन सा है?)

 Konark Sun Temple(कोणार्क सूर्य मंदिर)

Description: Konark sun temple is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Odisha, India.

About Sun Temple Konark

 Konark sun temple is a tremendous example of the artistry of ancient India, the fluidity of intentions. As the name temple dedicated to the Sun, Surya. Because in India Sun is a god.  The temple is made in such a way that the first glint of sun falls at the entrance of the temple. Most of the part of the temple is damaged and into rack and ruin but it's still charming like Sun. This temple had seen many monarchs rising and falling. But it's not in too good condition.

Konark sun temple


Konark Sun Temple information

According to available information, it's said that it was built in between 1238-1250 CE by the Eastern Ganga dynasty king Narasimha Deva I. 'Konark' word means the sun and the four directions. The temple was called Black Pagoda implying to its dark facade by the Europeans who used it for their navigation for their watercraft. It is said that the temple could bring ships to the coast due to its magnetic powers. It's believed that the Konark was built at the mouth of the Chandraabhaga river. Even the fact of the mythical river Chandraabhaga was founded near Konark temple.

Sun temple konark


Konark Sun Temple Architecture

The sun temple of Konark represents the Odisha style of architecture, this type of architecture is also known as Kalinga Architecture. In Kalinga architecture, the temples are made like a chariot. In the same manner, the Konark Sun temple is made. It's made like a massive chariot elevated on the 12 pairs of intricately carved on huge stone wheels that are pulled out by a set of seven mighty stone horses. It's a 100 ft chariot being pulled by seven horses and wheels carved on a single stone. It actually represents the chariot of god Sun. It was actually 230 ft high sanctum, which no longer exists. The temple comprises a huge dining hall, audience hall and dance hall.
There are 24 designed wheels which represents the 24 hours of the day, 12 in diameter which is being pulled by horses. The diameter 12 represents the 12 months of the year. The seven horses indicate the seven days of the week, the wheels represent the 12 months while the 8 spokes for the day cycle.  And this characterization tells how the time is being controlled by the Sun.

Sun temple konark,  konark Sun temple Architecture


        The walls of the temple are decorated with reliefs - intricate carvings of various diagrams including Hindu god's, images of the everyday spiritual life, birds animals and more. The temple has also sensual sculptures on its shikhara. The wheels of the temple can be used to predict perfect time. It works a sundial.

Konark Sun temple, konark sun temple architecture


Mayadevi Temple

The mayadevi temple lies in the west of Sun temple. It was discovered in 1909. Mayadevi is the wife of Lord Sun. Thus, Mayadevi temple is an important part of the complex of the Konark Sun Temple. And the interesting fact is that the Mayadevi temple is older than the Sun temple. It was built in the 11th century. It's carved sculptures of Natraj and god Sun along with Vishnu, Agni and Vayu. The temple is dedicated to the wife of god Sun. 

How you can reach the sun temple: sun temple location

Konark temple in Odisha is situated in a small town of Puri district. Because sun temple is situated in Konark village it's known as Konark Sun Temple. It's approximately situated 60 km away from the capital of the Odisha i.e Bhuvaneshwar. And 35 km away from Puri the district in which sun temple is situated.

Sun temple konark location

Puri

Puri is the district of the North-Eastern state Odisha. There are many things to do in Puri. There are many places to visit such as Chandraabhaga beach,  Jagannath puri temple, Gundicha Temple, Swargadwar Road, Puri beach and the most important the only UNESCO World Heritage Site of
Odisha Konark Sun and many other places
explore.

Outstanding Universal Value 


It's really a great monument. You can see the picture of a wheel of the Konark Sun temple on the backside of  10 Rupees note. And most importantly it's only The UNESCO World Heritage Site in Odisha.

Sun temple on note


I hope you like our ' Sun Temple Konark '. It 's helpful to all. So, please don't be cheap to share it with all your friends.

Photographs of Konark Sun Temple


Kalinga Architecture
God Krishna
Beautiful Wheel
The Good Art
Beautiful Art
Beautiful Designs
Odisha Architecture

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