Why in news?
The Archaeological Survey of India has restricted visitors from entering the Nata Mandap (dance hall) of the Konark Sun Temple in Odisha after reports of several tourists slipping and injuring themselves. The move aims to protect visitors and preserve the fragile heritage structure.
Background
The Konark Sun Temple, also known as the Surya Devalaya, is a 13th‑century Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun god Surya. Located about 35 kilometres northeast of Puri in Odisha, it was built around 1250 CE by King Narasingha Deva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty. The temple was conceived as a gigantic stone chariot with 24 intricately carved wheels, each about 3.7 metres in diameter, pulled by seven horses. The design mirrors the Vedic depiction of Surya riding across the sky. Originally rising over 60 metres, the main sanctum collapsed long ago; today, the assembly hall (Jagamohana), dance hall (Nata Mandira) and some subsidiary shrines survive.
Architectural features
- Chariot layout: The temple rests on a square plan and resembles a colossal chariot emerging from the sea. The 24 stone wheels, each with eight spokes, represent the hours of the day and also function as sundials.
- Seven horses: Seven carved horses pull the chariot, symbolising the seven metres of Sanskrit poetry and the days of the week.
- Orientation: The temple faces east so that the first rays of the rising sun strike the main entrance. When viewed from inland at dawn, the structure appears to emerge from the Bay of Bengal.
- Carvings: The walls are adorned with sculptures of animals, deities, musicians, dancers and scenes from everyday life and mythology. Some carvings are erotic, reflecting the medieval tradition of celebrating life in stone.
- Materials: The temple was built using three types of stone: chlorite for door frames and lintels, laterite for the core and staircases, and khondalite for the exterior. Iron clamps were used to hold the massive blocks together.
Historical and cultural significance
- Military symbolism: The temple may have been erected to commemorate Narasingha Deva I’s military victories over invading forces. The grandeur of the chariot symbolised the king’s power and devotion to Surya.
- Navigation landmark: European sailors in the 17th century called it the “Black Pagoda” because its dark stone made it visible from afar. Together with the Jagannath Temple at Puri (“White Pagoda”), it served as a landmark for ships on the Bay of Bengal.
- UNESCO World Heritage Site: The temple was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 1984 and remains a major pilgrimage and tourist site. It is depicted on the reverse of India’s ₹10 banknote.
- Cultural festival: Every February the Chandrabhaga Mela attracts devotees who worship the Sun on the nearby beach. The temple also hosts dance and music festivals celebrating Odisha’s classical traditions.
Source: Wikipedia – Konark Sun Temple