Sun Temple , Konark (Odisha) : The Masterpiece of Kalinga Art & Architecture
Sun Temple, Konark
Image of Sun God ( Suryadev)
Magnificent Sculptures on Exterior of Sun Temple
· As Sun (Surya) is the ultimate source of energy and survival of all the planets and their moons of solar system including our lovely planet Earth, it has been worshipped by mankind since ancient period. A number of temples dedicated to the Sun god (Suryadev) had been constructed in different parts of India (Bharat ) since Vedic period. Sun has been an important deity since early civilization. Some of the famous Sun temples are as mentioned below :
(i) Sun Temple at Konark, Odisha
(ii) Sun Temple at Modhera, Gujarat
(iii) Martand Sun Temple, Kashmir
(iv) Sun Temple at Deo, Aurangabad (Bihar)
(v) Suryanar Kovil Temple, Kumbhakonam, Tamil Nadu
(vi) Suryanarayan Temple, Arasavalli, Andhra Pradesh
(vii) Sun Temple, Katarmal, Almora (Uttarakhand)
(viii) Sri Surya Pahar Temple, Goalpara, Assam
· Out of these famous temples, the Sun Temple at Konark (Odisha) near Chandrabhaga beach is the largest and most magnificent. Constructed during the reign of King Narasingha Deva I (1238 – 1264 CE) of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. It is believed that its construction was completed in the year 1250 CE. Although some portion of this temple has collapsed, still it is the finest specimen of temple architecture, intricate stone-carving work and splendid sculptures.
· Literary meaning of ‘Konark’ is ‘kona ’ meaning corner or angle and ‘arka ’ meaning the Sun.
Salient features of Konark Sun temple
· The temple is constructed resembling as a chariot (Ratha) having 24 wheels made of intricately carved stone, representing 24 hours of a day. Each wheel consists of 08 Nos. spoke representing 08 prahar (प्रहर) of a day. It is believed that the chariot of Sun god is being driven by 07 Nos. horses which represent the 07 days of a week.
· The elaborately carved giant wheels of the chariot of Sun god have become the representative symbol of Konark Sun Temple.
· It is believed that the original temple consists of mainly 03 parts : (i) Garbha griha (or Sanctum sanctorum), (ii) Jagamohana and (iii) Bhogamandapa . Presently what we see as main temple is the Jagamohana (assembly hall) and the reminiscent of Bhogamandapa (also known as Nata-mandapa).
Sun Temple , Konark
· A large image of the Suryadev (Sun god) standing on a chariot being driven by 07 horses, is displayed on the southern side of Jagamohana. The entrance has densely & intricately carved doorjamb with 07 lines of different mouldings. Free standing stone sculptures on the top exterior depict various postures (mudras) of Odissi dance along with musicians with musical instruments such as dholaka, pakhawaj, karatala, vina etc. The exquisite and elaborately carved 24 wheels on the exterior face is testimony of high caliber of artesian of that period. The finely carved panels depict various themes such as gods & goddesses, activities of daily life, naga –nagin, apsaras, mythological creatures, musicians, animals, floral patterns, plants, dikpalas, dwarpalas etc.
· A number of lively sculptures depicting dancers, musicians, musical instruments etc. are displayed on the exterior wall of Bhogamandapa. The entrance is flanked by 02 Nos. colossal image of lion having elephants beneath them.
· On the west side, adjacent to the Sun Temple, stands reminiscence of an old temple which is believed to be dedicated to Mayadevi (or Chayadevi) one of the wife of Sun god. An image of Suryadev is also displayed in the niche.
Sculptures & Reliefs of the Sun Temple, Konark
· 02 Nos. large sized war horse (stallion) along with warrior are displayed prominently. The images are very lively and dynamic.
· Enlarged elephants depicting war-related actions are very impressive.
· It is also nicknamed as ‘Black Pagoda’ by European travellers.
· It was declared as World Heritage Site by UNSECO in year 1984.
Subsidiary Monuments / Sclptures
· In nutshell we may say that the Sun Temple at Konark is a treasure of finest sculptures, music & dance centre & sublime beauty, having designed with theme of Sun god (सूर्य देव ) who keep the earth on the move.
· #The ‘Sun Temple’ at Konark is the masterpiece of Kalinga Art & Architecture. A visit to the ancient temple complex imparts peace and tranquility to one and all. Besides, it is the testimony of grand temple architecture and unique sculptures of ancient India.
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