Sunday, September 21, 2014

Sun Temple, Konark

After the early morning breakfast in the road side eatery in Konark close to Sun Temple complex we were in front of Sun Temple that resembled a gigantic chariot. This 13th century temple built in the form of a chariot with twelve pairs of wheels dragged by seven rearing horses. 



King Narasimhadeva I of Ganga Dynaty initiated construction of this temple. In the olden days the main sanctum of the temple had a lofty tower, the audience hall and a detached dance hall in the same axis. But today the sanctum no longer has a tower and it is in ruins.



The sanctum and the audience hall together stand on a common platform studded with an intricate wealth of decorative ornaments and sculptures. The 30m tall  roof of the audience hall is made of horizontal tiers grouped in three stages with life-size female sculptures of matchless charm and delicacy adorning each stage.



This temple of imposing dimensions has been built using Khondalite rocks. The huge wheels of the chariot has been carved exquisitely with minute details in every inch.


The temple exudes grandeur in its size, and in the detail and excellence of its carving. The temple oriented towards east and as a result first rays of sunrise strikes the main entrance.



The external walls of the temple have very grand carvings depicting musicians, dancers, animals, nagas and various motifs. In the above image we can see one of the horses that is designed as if to pull the chariot.

45 comments:

Janet Shaw said...

I like reading about places to visit one day. The temple looks incredible. :)

Jackie and Joel Smith said...

Oh my goodness - while I love the whole building, that wheel is simply stunning! Another interesting post, Rajesh~

Marisol@TravelingSolemates said...

Wow, a temple is shape of a chariot? What an incredible and unique design. I love the intricacies of architecture.

eileeninmd said...

Amazing to see all the details in the temple and carvings. Beautiful images, Rajesh!

Linda said...

Wow, what a spectacular place! Love that fancy wheel!

Veronica Roth said...

Gosh, I would just stand there all day studying and looking at that temple. How can you possibly see it all at once? Lovely collection of photos. :D

Muza-chan said...

Amazing...

http://joshidaniel.com/ said...

looks very nice :)

Kokila gupta said...

Great pics including the famous wheel ! Nice post rajesh :)

Donna said...

What an intriguing temple. I love the idea of it being a chariot with the wheel and horse carvings...very beautiful as is your mosaic with those lovely children.

Forest Dream Weaver said...

This a really beautiful building..... attention to detail is amazing!

Ruby

EG CameraGirl said...

Amazing details in this structure!

carol l mckenna said...

Handsome boys and beautiful historical temples and places ~ Great shots for OWT!

artmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)

Sylvia K said...

Beautiful temple and superb captures as always, Rajesh!! Hope you have a great week!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

What a unique and amazing idea for a temple -- the horses are so detailed ....well, the whole temple is too of course.

Ruth Kelly said...

The carvings are spectacular!

Photo Cache said...

is this the only temple with chariot? i can't remember another one you featured here with a chariot.

Tomoko said...

That is a great temple. Especially I like the third photo imposing dimensions, which makes me think of the admirable ancient people!

K V V S MURTHY said...

Great architecture ...!

Al said...

This is one of the most incredible temples you've yet shown us.

Anonymous said...

Wow - that's an amazing wheel!

Fun60 said...

Such a creative and imaginative temple to be built as a chariot.

Arija said...

Your posts are always informative and so well presented. I love all the intricate work on your temple.

Dies und Das said...

Ein fantastisches Kunstwerk der Kultur !
Schöne Gruß,
Luis

Leovi said...

Yes, amazing Temple! Excellent photos!

Unknown said...

Lovely place !!

PhenoMenon, ABCW Team
http://throodalookingglass.com/2014/09/kathakali-makeup/

Reader Wil said...

I agree with Arija:"your posts are informative and well presented!" Your temples are so beautifully decorated.
Have a great week.
Wil, ABCW Team.

Roger Owen Green said...

There's something about the steps on the roof that is intrinsically appealing.

ROG, ABCW

Jane Hards Photography said...

Always so interesting

Unknown said...

The temple looks incredible, I love the intricate architecture

rachel@safari254

ChrisJ said...

Amazingly detailed carving and sculpturing. Wonder how many people worked on it and how long it took them.

Rajesh said...

ChrisJ: As per the records it took 12 years and 1200 artisans to build this magnificent temple.

K V V S MURTHY said...

Beautiful pictures ..very nice job..!

Jeevan said...

Absolutely marvelous temple!! It does not only look grandeur, but the fine arts and rock carvings totally enhance the building taking forward elegantly.
Excellent photos! Nice perspective

fredamans said...

Wonderful architecture!

njoy every moment said...

Its stunning temple no doubt but i think the more fascinating part is the history of the temple and the beautiful Chandrabhaga beach near by .... hope you also visite Ramchandi beach which is also close by ....I just love that place and sunsets are so surreal

http://thetalesofatraveler.com/2015/06/28/top-10-malaysian-street-food/

Ravish Mani said...

Great captures, Rajesh. Liked the zoom of roof :)

Sri Kri said...

Excellent carvings.Lovely Images.

Unknown said...

Beautiful captures, highlighting the temple architecture.

Yogi Saraswat said...

A monument of Great and rich Indian culture. Very nice pictures.

Maniparna said...

Have visited the temple. Beautiful architecture indeed...

Ranjana's craft blog said...

Beautiful!!! this is one of my dream destinations :)

Florence R. said...

Amazed by the brilliantly rich culture photography. Makes you feel connected to your roots. Missing India thanks to you. Lovely post.

Sunita Sriram said...

phew...for a few minutes I was in the History class studying monuments...amazing description of a temple that stood the wrath of the plunderers and of nature's fury...lovely Rajesh!

Debopam said...

Thanks for sharing such a vivid description of the place with wonderful photographs.... Were there almost six years back after sunset... So missed the day time shots.....

Natureram