Sun
Temple
Built
by King Narasimhadeva in the thirteenth century, the entire temple was designed
in the shape of a colossal chariot, carrying the sun god, Surya, across the
heavens. The Sun - God's chariot, also represents the seven days of the week,
and the 24 hours of the day, in its concept. The temple is a brilliant chronicle
in stone, with impressive sculptures. Every aspect of life is represented here,
and the erotic imagery, depicts the sublimation of human love manifested in
countless forms. Scenes from court, civic life and war are also done with great
precision.
The Sun Temple of Konark marks the highest point of achievement of Kalinga architecture
depicting the grace , the joy and the rhythm of life all it's wondrous variety.
There is an endless wealth of decoration from minute pattterns in bas-relief
done with a jeweller's precision to boldly modelled free standing sculptures
of exceptionally large size. Under the crackling wheels of past events , the
Sun Temple has lost its main sanctuary but the remaining structure and the ruins
arouns testify till today the boundless creative energy of Orissan artistes
and their impresive contribution to the treasury of Indian Art and building
technique. Standing majestically on the sandy coast of the Bay of Bengal, the
porch, in its solitary grandeur is an eloquent testimony of a gracious and mysterious
past.
Interested
? Book Tour through our Members
