Konarak Sun Temple

Hindu Temples Mar 1, 2021 0 1120 Add to Reading List

The Konarak Sun temple is dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya and conceived as a giant stone chariot with 12 wheels, it is the most famous of the few sun temples built in India.

The Konarak Sun temple is dedicated to the Hindu Sun God, Surya and conceived as a giant stone chariot with 12 wheels, it is the most famous of the few sun temples built in India. It is located about 60 kilometres from the capital of the state, Bhubaneswar on the coastline in the state of Odisha (earlier Orissa). It was built c. 1250 CE by King Narasimhadeva I (r. 1238-1264 CE) of the Eastern Ganga dynasty (8th century CE - 15th century CE). The temple in its present state was declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site in 1984 CE. Although many portions are now in ruins, what remains of the temple complex continues to draw not only tourists but also Hindu pilgrims. Konarak stands as a classic example of Hindu temple architecture, complete with a colossal structure, sculptures and artwork on myriad themes.

Etymology
The name Konarak is taken from the Sanskrit word Kona (meaning angle) and word Arka (meaning sun) in reference to the temple which was dedicated to the Sun God Surya.

History
In 1559, Mukunda Gajapati came to throne in Cuttack. He aligned himself as an ally of Akbar and an enemy of the Sultan of Bengal, Sulaiman Khan Karrani. After a few battles, Odisha finally fell. The fall was also aided by the internal turmoil of the state. In 1568, the Konark temple was damaged by the army of Kalapahad, a general of the Sultan.[12] Kalapahad is also said to be responsible for damages to several other temples during the conquest.

Wheel, Konarak Sun Temple

Mayadevi Temple

An important temple in the Sun Temple complex this is dedicated to Mayadevi - the wife of Surya, the Mayadevi temple is older than the Sun temple built around the 11th century. Its sanctum houses a Nataraja, and other chambers of the temple have idols of Surya with Vishnu, Vayu, Agni. The temple was considered by some as another temple made to worship sun god but a few believe that it was dedicated to the wife of Surya.