Konark: Chariot of the sun

Built in the 13th Century by Ganga king Narasimhadeva 1, the Sun Temple has stunning sculptural details, and marks the most evolved period in Kalinga architecture.

It is said that the Sun Temple was designed in such a way that the rising sun's first rays would illuminate the sanctum and the presiding deity.

The temple stands on a base of a total of 24 intricately carved wheels, 12 on each side. Four of the wheels can still be used as sundials to tell the time.

According to experts, the Sun Temple was used for prayers only for a short period, and in the 17th century, the presiding deity - whose chambers can be seen here - may have been moved to the Jagannath Temple in Puri.

The main entrance of the Sun Temple, the Gajasimha - gaja meaning elephant and simha referring to lions - derives its name from two massive stone lions crushing elephants.

This gate leads to the Sun Temple’s finely carved Natya Mandapa, the hall for dance and theatre.

Wide steps that rise to the Sun Temple’s Jagamohan (the assembly hall), are flanked by horses. Though carved in stone, the life-like horses seem to be straining at their reins, each sinew bulging.

The Sun Temple has three impressive carvings of the Sun God at three strategic locations, to catch the sun at dawn, at noon and at sunset. The carvings at the base of the temple and on its walls chronicle everyday activities.

While the Konark Temple is unique, there are several other chariot-temples in places like Hampi and Mahabalipuram. The Konark Sun Temple is visited by hundreds of thousands of people every year, and the annual Konark Festival is famed for its cultural importance.

On the southern side of the Sun Temple lie two gorgeously carved war horses, about 7 ft high and 10 ft long. These horses depict strength and energy and one can also see the sinews popping out as they crush a warrior. This sculpture is a symbol of the Government of Odisha.

One of the 22 temples built in the Sun Temple complex, the Chhayadevi Temple is dedicated to Chhaya Devi, wife of the Sun God. Though it lies in ruins, its former grandeur is evident in its gorgeous carvings.

The Chhayadevi Temple features beautiful carvings, the most notable of which is that of a lady waiting for her husband to come back home. There is a sculpture of a crocodile holding a fish in its mouth as well.

Built in the 13th century by Ganga king Narasimhadeva I, the Sun Temple boasts of stunning sculptural details that mark the most evolved period in Kalinga architecture. The temple stands on a base of a total of 24 intricately carved wheels, 12 on each side. Four of these can be used as sundials to tell the time!

The Sun Temple is adorned with various intricate and overwhelming carvings, some of which depict sensuous details and may remind visitors of Khajuraho, while others exhibit mythical creatures and animals like elephants and birds.

Showcasing an uninhibited display of sensuality, the Sun Temple is adorned with erotic carvings that leave one in awe of the skill of the artisans of that time.