SITE
Situated on the shores of the Bay of Bengal, the remarkable Sun Temple at Konarak (also called the Black Pagoda) was built as a representation of Surya's heavenly vehicle - the chariot. Surya, the sun god, would drive his golden chariot through the sky each day, the arc of his journey signaling the arc of each day's passing. Konarak's Sun Temple rises above the horizon in all its majestic glory as a terrestrial symbol of Surya's golden chariot flying through the sky. The temple, built by King Narasimhadeva (AD 1238-1264) in the middle of the 13th century, is one of the most famous Brahman sanctuaries in India and marks the culmination of the Orissan architectural style. Over the centuries the structures have been battered by sea winds carrying both salt and sand, eroding many of the superb sculptures and causing one of the structures to collapse.

The entire temple at Konarak was conceived as a giant chariot, complete with twelve sets of wheels and seven horses (one of which is missing) to pull the structure through the air. The wheels, each about three metres in diameter, are carved in relief along the longer sides of the platform upon which the temple stands. They are remarkable for their extensive detail and elaborate design: each wheel is rendered with intricately carved spokes, hub and pins. Seven colossal, freestanding statues of galloping horses stand in front of the main entrance.

© Michael Cross

The temple proper originally consisted of three parts: a sanctuary (Deul) topped by a colossal spiral tower, a porch (Jagmohana) with a pyramidal roof, and a dance hall (Natamandira). The sanctuary and porch were situated atop the stone platform, while the dance hall was a separate structure. Today, the sanctuary lies in ruins and the tower has disappeared, but the Jagmohana and Natamandira remain intact, the last remnants of Orissa's once magnificent temples. Both temples are famous not only for their architectural grandeur but also for the outstanding craftsmanship of the sculptural work on their walls. Thousands of images grace the temple walls; images of deities and dancers, nymphs and warriors, scenes of courtly life, erotic images, a wealth of intricate botanical and geometric designs, and myriad depictions of animals, both mythical and real. Also notable are the monumental statues of female musicians symbolically announcing the arrival of Surya's chariot. There are also three superb life-size statues of the sun god, done in green chlorite.

Back to top