The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has recently prohibited tourists from entering the ‘Nata Mandap’ of the Konark Sun Temple in Puri district, Odisha. This decision has been taken to preserve the structural integrity of the historic monument.
About Konark Sun Temple
The Konark Sun Temple, also called the Surya Devalaya, is situated on the coastline of Odisha in Puri district. It is dedicated to the Hindu sun god, Surya.
Historical evidence indicates that Narasimha I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, who reigned between 1238 and 1264 CE, constructed the temple around 1250 CE. In 1984, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural and cultural significance.
Architectural Features
Style and Structure
The Konark Sun Temple is a classic example of Odisha (Kalinga) style architecture. Its height is approximately 227 feet, making it one of the tallest temples ever built in India. The temple complex is designed to resemble a giant solar chariot with 24 stone-carved wheels pulled by six stone horses.
Orientation and Sundials
The temple is oriented towards the east, allowing the first rays of the sunrise to illuminate the main entrance. The wheels of the chariot serve as functional sundials, capable of measuring time accurately to a minute.
Carvings and Sculptures
The base and walls of the temple feature elaborate stone carvings depicting:
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Animals
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Foliage
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Warriors on horseback
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Scenes from Hindu mythology
Materials and Construction
The temple was constructed using three types of stones:
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Laterite stone: boundary walls, flooring, and staircases
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Khondalite stone: main structure
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Chlorite stone: door jambs and lintels
Iron strips were used to hold parts of the structure together, some of which are still visible in the ruins.
Cultural and Historical Significance
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Europeans referred to the temple as the Black Pagoda because of its dark facade, and it was used for navigation by ships along the coast.
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Local legends suggest that the temple possessed magnetic powers capable of attracting ships to the shore.
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The temple continues to be a site of worship, particularly during the annual Chandrabhaga Festival held around February.