Do you know about the mysteries of the Konark Sun Temple? If not, the blog is for you! The Sun Temple of Konark located in Odisha is one of the most recognizable temple architectures built in India. While the temple was built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva to honor the God Surya (Sun), there is a lot more to this temple than meets the eye. In this blog, we will appreciate six captivating wonders about the architecture of this temple.
I. Chariot's construction was similar to God Surya's Vaahan
This 13th-century architectural marvel was built like the vahaan of God Surya. In Hindu mythology, it was believed that God Surya traveled on a chariot with 24 wheels being pulled by 7 horses. Made up from the Khondalite stone, the remains of these seven horses are still there in the Konark temple. The Archaeological Survey of India is remarkably conserving this iconic temple. So, what are you thinking? Pack your bags and book an hourly hotel in Puri or Bhubaneswar.
Significance of 7 horses of chariot
It's believed that the seven horses of the chariot signify the colors of the rainbow or days of a week.
Significance of 24 wheels of chariot
Twelve wheels showcase the twelve months of a year. In a Hindu calendar, a month is divided into a Krishna paksha and a Shukla paksha. The other twelve wheels denote them.
Significance of 8 spokes of wheels of chariot
Each wheel acts as a sun-dials. Constructed with 8 spokes, these wheels signify eight pahars (3 hours) of the day. As per the Indian time system, a day was divided into eight pahars of three hours each. So, the people used to observe the time as per axel's shadow falling on the rest of the wheel. You can still appreciate the iconic beauty of these sun-dials drawn as the wheels of the chariot. Still, thinking? Plan your trip to Puri & stay cost-effectively in an hourly hotel in Puri.
II. Constructed such that the first ray of the temple falls on the idol
The Eastern dynasty king wanted to build a temple near the Chandrabhaga river in the honor of Sun (God Surya). The architects decided on a place that lies in the northwest corner of Puri city. That's how the Konark was named, taking the word kon (meaning corner) and the ark (meaning sun). The main Prarthana Mandir lies inside the Konark temple compound. The unique point of architecture is the first entering ray of sunlight that falls on the idol inside the Prarthana Mandir. These rays were believed to imitate the diamond that was present in the middle portion of the idol.
One more interesting fact is how the construction stones were transported. The stones were transported by various wooden rafts from Khandagiri and Udaygiri located 62 kilometers from Puri through the nearby flowing Chandrabhaga river. Intriguing facts, right? So, what are you thinking? Plan your holidays, book a hotel for a few hours in Puri & visit this iconic temple.
III. It's believed that magnet was used in the construction!
As per guides available for the Konark Sun Temple, the magnet was placed on the topmost pagoda during the initial construction of the temple. Instead of the usual limestone for construction material, iron rivets were fixed between the binding stones. There was a diamond-shaped stone planted in the middle of a statue of the Sun god. Architects designed the temple in such a way that due to magnet & iron's attraction forces, the idol of the Sun god remained suspended in the air!
Unfortunately, the magnet that was placed on the top has been removed! There were many stories behind the removal of the magnet that was indirectly responsible for the weakening of the Prarthana Mandir structure. Some believed that due to the magnetic field of the magnet placed on the top, the compass of the passing ships got affected. Some believe that one of the invaders stole the precious magnet stone from the idol which resulted in the breaking of the magnetic arrangement of the building!
What stories are behind why the main door of Konark Sun Temple was closed?
From the time when the magnet placed on the top of the pagoda was removed, the whole construction weakened. That's the reason, the main door of Prarthana Mandir inside the Konark Sun Temple compound was closed due to security purposes. Sounds so mysterious, right? Plan your holidays and book an hourly hotel in Puri or Bhubaneswar for your cost-effective stay.
IV. The temple act as a marking point of the shore for far-away ship
Temple was near the Chandrabhaga river. Many far-away ship marked the black-pagoda of the temple as an indication of the shore. Temple was built from black granite stones, which was the reason the pagoda was black color.
V. Structures inside the temple teaching moral values
Many historians have believed that two lion sculptures on both sides of the entrance signify a deep meaning. Lion & elephant signify the greediness & ego of the human beings. Both lion & elephant structures are crushing the human. It's the same way, the greed & ego of a person crush himself. These moral teachings are still valid in today's life! So, what are you still thinking about? Plan your vacations for Puri & visit this alluring architectural monument. Make sure to book hourly hotel in Puri or hotel for a few hours in Bhubaneswar from MiStay so that you get the flexible check-in facility.
Final Thoughts
Now, I know you must be excited to go for Konark temple in Puri. The main Prarthana Mandir has been closed due to safety reasons. But you can explore the outer temple area & remaining open-air dance hall called Natya temple (or Nrityashala) where you get to see 128 dance styles on 758 sculptures! Fascinating, right? So, when are you visiting the speactacular Konark Sun Temple?