Konark Sun Temple: Seven Wonders
Konark Sun Temple
The Sun Temple at Konark
which has also been given another name Black Pagoda by European sailors is
estimated to be built in 1250 by King Narsimhadev of Eastern Ganga dynasty. It
is situated in Orissa. The Temple was built in the shape of gigantic chariot
having 12 gigantic wheels and 7 pair of horses to pull. The whole temple is a
depiction of the chariot of Sun. the carvings on the temple are highly detailed
and beautiful though most of the temple is ruined by now because of some
unknown reasons. The original temple had a very high vimana which is supposed
to be 70 meter tall, most of which has fallen. Now only the Jagmohana of the
temple has survived standing to the height of 30 meters.
In 17th century
the then Raja of Khudra shifted the Sun idol from Konark to Jagannathpuri. Many
generations of kings of Khudra have helped in prevention of the temple
artifacts from ruining by making their use in making Jagannathpuri. Finally the
worship in Sun temple has been ceased in last of 18th century.
The Temple was built in
traditional Kalinga architecture and the temple entrance is carefully oriented
towards East so that first rays of the Sun strike the entrance of the Temple.
In 1984 the structure was
declared as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It has also been included in Seven
Wonders of India.
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Credits: Image Source- Google Images
Credits: Image Source- Google Images
Thanks for sharing. Displayer of the ethnic Oriyan architecture, the Sun Temple becomes a beautiful backdrop to this fair. If all these are not enough, you are bound to love a long walk on the beach nearby. Explore more about Konark Sun Temple.
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