Sun Temple Konark

Sun Temple Konark is one of the best specimen of Kalinga architecture. The Sun Temple at Konark was built by Raja Narasinghs Deva-I (Ganga Dynasty). It is known for its gigantic sculptures and minute patterns in bas-relief.

The Sun Temple of Orissa was constructed in the 13th century as a chariot of the Sun God. The temple possesses twelve pairs of beautifully ornamented wheels and about seven pairs of well-sculpted horses. The wheels of the temple signify the twelve months of the year and the horses signify the seven days of the week

The Sun Temple of Konark is also characterized by curvilinear towers, which are mounted by Cupolas. The main sanctum of the temple is about 229 feet in height. The sanctum features external projects and is constructed beside the audience hall.

The compound of the temple occupies about one thousand and eighty-one acres of land. The area of the Sun Temple is about two hundred acres. The compound comprises of a Vimana, Jagamohana and a Nrity-mandapa. The Vimana is the main temple that houses the presiding deity.

It is noteworthy in this context that the inner sanctum of the Sun Temple Konark has fallen off; it is only the audience hall that survives till date. Besides, only a part of the Dancing Hall and the Dining Hall of the temple have survived.