Konark Sun Temple, Odisha—The Chariot of the Sun
The origin of the word 'Konark'
The name "Konark" is a portmanteau of two Sanskrit words: "Kon" (meaning direction or viewpoint) and "Arka" (meaning sun god). In Sanskrit, the sun god has many names, such as Arka, Bhanu, Udaya, Surya, Aditya, Bhaskara, Heramba, Saptasapti, Mitra, etc.
The building and construction of the temple
This temple was built by King Narasinghadeva I of the Ganges dynasty. It is said that this temple was built to commemorate the victory over the Muslims.
He selected about 1200 skilled artisans from different parts of the country.
The foundation stone of the temple was laid in 1243, and the construction was completed in 1255—a total of 12 years of hard work.
Moving away from the sea
At first, the temple was in the middle of the sea. But due to environmental changes, the sea receded a little, so now the temple is located a few kilometers away from the seashore.
Common myths and mysteries
It is said that initially there were three pagodas here, but due to the architectural pressure of the temple, one was removed.
According to another version, a huge magnet was placed in the center of the temple, which affected the compasses of seafarers.
This magnet was so powerful that the image of the sun god in the center of the temple floated because of the magnetic force. But the British later removed the magnet and the statue, saying it was dangerous for sailors.
The strict discipline of the craftsmen
During these 12 years, there were strict rules for all artisans.
Celibacy is obligatory.
Alcohol, meat, and fish are prohibited.
It had to be done with great care and attention.
The architecture of the temple
The entire temple is built in the form of the chariot of the Sun God.
24 wheels—each 10 feet in diameter.
Each wheel symbolizes 1 hour—i.e., 24 hours of day and night.
7 horses—symbolize 7 days or 7 cycles of color or the human body.
The chakras are Muladhara, Swadhisthana, Manipura, Anahata, Suddha, Abhimanyu, and Sahasra.
The names of the seven horses of the sun are Gayatri, Brihati, Upratik, Jagati, Drishtupa, Anushtupa, and Bhakti.
Sun God and Worship
In Hinduism, the Sun is the head of the Navagraha and the lord of Sunday.
The sun is the supreme god for the solar community.
In the Smarta sect, the sun is worshipped as one of the five deities.
There are temples and festivals of the Sun God in various parts of India, such as
Ratha Saptami, Makar Sankranti, Chhath Puja, Samba Dashami.
A black pagoda and the direction of the sea
The gopuram, or the top of the temple, is made of black granite—hence the name "Black Pagoda."
Ancient sailors used this black dome as a navigation point.
The wonder of a magnet and a floating statue
At the center of each pillar was an iron frame.
Large magnets are placed in the center and at the bottom.
As a result, the image of the sun god really floated—an incredible technology.
The British took away these magnets and spread false stories about them.
Accuracy of time and sunshine
Each wheel has 8 large spokes, which divide 3 hours into 24 hours.
There are 8 short spokes in the middle, which divide the 90 minutes.
There are 30 beads every 90 minutes—that is, every grain = 3 minutes.
The time can be calculated by looking at the shadow exactly up to the minute!
For this work, there was an incredible combination of astrologers, architects, and sculptors.
The moon?
In the temple, there are not only 2 but a total of 24 wheels.
Many people say that many of them also work in the moonlight—that is, they can also be used as Moondials!
Hidden signs and carvings on the wheel
It can be seen on different wheels.
A woman in front of a mirror in the morning.
Having sex at night,
Carving indicating spring or winter (flowers, monkey breeding, etc.).
These sundials may also have been used as ancient calendars.
Lion-elephant-human carving at the entrance
At the entrance are two large lions, holding the elephant in their paws.
There is a human body under the elephant.
It means lion = pride, elephant = money, and man = miserable life.
Art and sculpture
Every part of the temple has
Statue of the goddess
women's dance
Portrait of the Royal Court and Palace
The Konark Sun Temple is a unique wonder in its architectural, scientific, and religious significance.
Do you think this is an ancient temple?
No, it is a living document of India's unparalleled astronomy, architecture, and spirituality.
