Context

• The Odisha government is gearing up to power the iconic Sun Temple with solar energy, making it the first town in the state to break free from traditional electricity grids and embrace green energy.
• Konark is set to become a shining example of sustainability, with plans in place to run the Sun Temple entirely on solar power. This initiative marks a significant step towards a more eco-friendly and energy-efficient future for the region.

About Konark Sun Temple

• Location: Konark is conveniently located near the famous religious and tourist hub of Puri (35 km) and the capital city of Bhubaneswar (65 km).
• Meaning of Name: The name “Konarka” is a combination of two words: “Kona,” meaning corner, and “ARKA,” meaning the Sun. The Sun god worshipped in Ark Kshetra is also known as Konark.
• Temple Name and Significance: The main temple, built between 1238-1250 CE by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, is often called “The Black Pagoda” by European sailors. It’s a vital landmark for coastal voyages and is part of Odisha’s golden triangle with Puri and Bhubaneswar.
• Architectural Features: The Sun Temple is a 13th-century masterpiece conceived as a giant chariot of the Sun God, with twelve pairs of adorned wheels pulled by seven pairs of horses. Its intricate traceries, scroll work, and detailed carvings of animal and human figures set it apart. The temple belongs to the Kalinga School of Indian Temples with unique curvilinear towers topped by Cupolas.
• Construction Details: The main sanctum, 229 ft. high, and the audience hall, 128 ft. high, were constructed by King Narasimhadeva I. Unfortunately, the main sanctum, housing the presiding deity, has fallen off over time. The Audience Hall survives intact, while the Dancing Hall (Nata Mandir) and the Dining Hall (Bhoga-Mandap) have only small portions remaining.
• Alignment and Recognition: The Sun Temple is aligned in the east-west direction and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It attracts tourists, pilgrims, and art enthusiasts alike. Rabindranath Tagore praised Konark, stating, “Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man.”
• Protection Measures: The Sun Temple is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act (1958) in India, along with other relevant legislation like the Forest Act, Konark Development Act, and the Notified Council Area Act. This ensures its preservation for future generations.

Facts About Konark Sun Temple

• The Konark Sun Temple earned the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1984.
• A captivating image of the Konark Sun Temple graces the reverse side of the Rs. 10 denomination note.
• Every February, the Konark Sun Temple attracts numerous Hindu pilgrims who converge for the Chandrabhaga Mela.
• Affectionately known as “Surya Devalaya,” the temple is a significant part of the Golden Triangle of Odisha, along with Puri and Bhubaneshwar, forming a key pilgrimage route for Hindus in Orissa.
• Originally positioned at the mouth of the Chandrabhaga River, the temple now stands, as the river has gradually receded.
• The Konark Sun Temple showcases the unique Kalinga Style of Architecture.Strategic Orientation:Facing eastward, the temple is designed to receive the early morning sun rays at its main entrance.
• Crafted from Khondalite rocks, a subtype of Metamorphic rocks, the temple exhibits intricate workmanship.
• Notably, the temple features 12 wheels in two rows, totaling 24, serving as sundials that could accurately determine the time to the minute.
• In the late 18th century, a monolith known as “Aruna Stambh” was relocated from the Konark Sun Temple to Puri’s Jagannath Temple by a Maratha brahmachari named Goswain/Goswami.
• The temple has faced destruction multiple times, attributed to natural forces and conflicts with Muslim invaders.
• The British took measures in 1904 to preserve the temple by filling and closing the assembly hall, known as “Jagamohan,” to prevent its collapse.
• The Jagamohan, acting as the assembly hall, serves as the heart of the temple, linking the entrance with the sanctum-sanctorum.

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