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Knows and not knowns of Konark Temple:
The Konark Sun Temple, located in Konark, Odisha, is one of the most renowned and architecturally significant temples in India. It is a 13th-century Hindu temple dedicated to the sun god Surya. The temple is famous for its intricate architecture and sculptures and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Architecture of Konark Sun Temple
1. Design and Layout:
- The temple is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot with twelve pairs of exquisitely carved stone wheels, pulled by a set of seven horses.
- The entire structure symbolizes the Sun God's chariot, marking the passage of time and the cyclic nature of life.
2. Main Structures:
- Vimana: The main sanctum, originally surmounted by a towering shikhara (spire), which has since collapsed.
- Jagamohana: The assembly hall, which is still standing and showcases the grandeur of the temple.
- Natya Mandapa: The dance hall, which highlights the cultural significance of dance in temple rituals.
3. Wheels and Horses:
- The wheels of the chariot are intricately carved, each with eight spokes and measuring about 9 feet in diameter.
- The seven horses are symbolic of the seven days of the week.
4. Sculptures:
- The temple walls are adorned with an array of sculptures depicting deities, mythical creatures, animals, and various aspects of daily life.
- Notable are the erotic sculptures, which reflect the tantric traditions and the celebration of life in ancient India.
History of Konark Sun Temple
- Construction: The temple was built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
- Purpose: It was constructed to honor the Sun God, Surya, and to celebrate the military victory of the Ganga dynasty over Muslim invaders.
- Decline: The temple faced several natural calamities and invasions, leading to its partial destruction. The main sanctum collapsed, and only parts of the original structure remain intact today.
Myths and Legends
- Dharmapada: A popular legend tells of a young boy named Dharmapada, who sacrificed his life to correct a crucial architectural flaw in the temple.
- Magnetic Effect: It is said that the main sanctum had an iron pillar that created a magnetic field, causing ships passing by to lose their course. However, there is no historical evidence to support this.
Arasavilli Sun Temple in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh
The Arasavilli Sun Temple is another significant temple dedicated to the sun god Surya, located in Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh. It shares several features with the Konark Sun Temple:
1. History:
- The Arasavilli temple is believed to have been built in the 7th century by the Eastern Kalinga kings.
- It has undergone several renovations over the centuries, retaining its historical and religious significance.
2. Architecture:
- Unlike the chariot-like structure of Konark, Arasavilli follows traditional Dravidian architectural styles with a prominent sanctum and gopuram (gateway tower).
- The temple houses a unique idol of Surya, carved from granite, depicting him with his consorts Usha, Chhaya, and Padmini.
3. Sculptures and Inscriptions:
- The temple features intricate carvings and inscriptions that narrate various legends associated with Surya.
Relation Between Konark and Arasavilli
- Cultural Link: Both temples are dedicated to the worship of Surya, reflecting the ancient Indian practice of sun worship, which was prevalent in various regions.
- Architectural Influence: Despite the geographical distance, the temples exhibit similar reverence for the sun god, showcasing the exchange of cultural and architectural influences within the Indian subcontinent.
- Pilgrimage: Both temples are important pilgrimage sites, attracting devotees from different parts of India who seek blessings from the sun god.
In summary, the Konark Sun Temple stands as a testament to the architectural brilliance and cultural richness of ancient India, while the Arasavilli Sun Temple continues to be a vital center of worship and heritage in Andhra Pradesh. Both temples highlight the enduring significance of sun worship in Indian tradition.
In the upcoming blog, we'll discuss about the chariot of the Sun temple and time calculation using the chariot.