States > Temples India

Konark Sun Temple, Konark


Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century Temple at Konark in Odisha, India. It is believed that the temple was built by king Narasimhadeva of Eastern Ganga Dynasty. of a gigantic chariot, having elaborately carved stone wheels, pillars and walls.

The temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has also featured on various list of Seven Wonders of India.
The name Konark derives from the combination of the Sanskrit words, Kona (corner) and Ark (the sun), in reference to the temple which was dedicated to the Sun God.

The temple was originally built at the mouth of the river Chandrabhaga,The temple has been built in the form of a giant ornamented chariot of the Sun god.
The temple follows the traditional style of Kalinga architecture.
The temple is built from Khondalite rocks.

The southwest from the entrance of the main temple. It is presumed to have been dedicated to Mayadevi, one of the Sun god's wives. It has been dated to the late 11th century, earlier than the main temple. The other one belongs to some unknown Vaishnava deity.

Sculptures of Balarama, Varaha and Trivikrama have been found at the site.
According to Bhavishya Purana and Samba Purana, there may have been a sun temple in the region earlier than current one, dating to the 9th century or earlier.
Write your comment now