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Konark, Orissa |
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The Sun temple of Konark, in Orissa, is considered to be one of the finest examples in Indian temple architecture. It is built in the form of a huge celestial chariot resembling the one used by the Sun God. Seven divine horses are seen pulling a majestic chariot of 24 wheels frozen in stone. Apart from the architectural grandeur, the temple is also renowned for its intricacy and exquisite sculptural works. A profusion of splendid carvings adorned the walls of the temple, both inside and outside. There are three main images of God Surya carved in chlorite stone depicting a state of spiritual equilibrium.
Legend has it that the main architect behind the erection of the temple was 'samba' the son of Lord krishna. Afflicted by a curse brought about by his father for being disobedient to his stepmothers, he set out for redemption. Samba was finally relieved at the hands of Sun God after 12 years of penance. He then built the majestic temple in honor of the God who cured him from his father's curse. The name Konark is a distortion of the word Konarka, where Kona means -corner and Arka implies the Sun and when combined it suggests - the sun of the corner. The site of the temple is the earliest center of Sun Worshipping in India and is find mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures and other religious texts.
However, the present temple is said to have built by King Narashimhadev during the 13 century AD to celebrate his victory over the Muslims. Today the lofty temple structure is in ruins, and is preserved as world heritage site. To save the temple from further deterioration its interior was filled up in 1903 AD by the then British Governor of Bengal. The huge stone wheels with spokes and elaborate carvings, around the base of the temple form the major attractions. Stone panels at the lowest zone of the base are carved with continuous elephant and hunting friezes. Large free standing sculptures of great strength and beauty graces the temple courtyard.
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