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.
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.
I like reading about places to visit one day. The temple looks incredible. :)
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness - while I love the whole building, that wheel is simply stunning! Another interesting post, Rajesh~
ReplyDeleteWow, a temple is shape of a chariot? What an incredible and unique design. I love the intricacies of architecture.
ReplyDeleteAmazing to see all the details in the temple and carvings. Beautiful images, Rajesh!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a spectacular place! Love that fancy wheel!
ReplyDeleteGosh, 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
ReplyDeleteAmazing...
ReplyDeletelooks very nice :)
ReplyDeleteGreat pics including the famous wheel ! Nice post rajesh :)
ReplyDeleteWhat 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.
ReplyDeleteThis a really beautiful building..... attention to detail is amazing!
ReplyDeleteRuby
Amazing details in this structure!
ReplyDeleteHandsome boys and beautiful historical temples and places ~ Great shots for OWT!
ReplyDeleteartmusedog and carol (A Creative Harbor)
Beautiful temple and superb captures as always, Rajesh!! Hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteWhat a unique and amazing idea for a temple -- the horses are so detailed ....well, the whole temple is too of course.
ReplyDeleteThe carvings are spectacular!
ReplyDeleteis this the only temple with chariot? i can't remember another one you featured here with a chariot.
ReplyDeleteThat is a great temple. Especially I like the third photo imposing dimensions, which makes me think of the admirable ancient people!
ReplyDeleteGreat architecture ...!
ReplyDeleteThis is one of the most incredible temples you've yet shown us.
ReplyDeleteWow - that's an amazing wheel!
ReplyDeleteSuch a creative and imaginative temple to be built as a chariot.
ReplyDeleteYour posts are always informative and so well presented. I love all the intricate work on your temple.
ReplyDeleteEin fantastisches Kunstwerk der Kultur !
ReplyDeleteSchöne Gruß,
Luis
Yes, amazing Temple! Excellent photos!
ReplyDeleteLovely place !!
ReplyDeletePhenoMenon, ABCW Team
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I agree with Arija:"your posts are informative and well presented!" Your temples are so beautifully decorated.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week.
Wil, ABCW Team.
There's something about the steps on the roof that is intrinsically appealing.
ReplyDeleteROG, ABCW
Always so interesting
ReplyDeleteThe temple looks incredible, I love the intricate architecture
ReplyDeleterachel@safari254
Amazingly detailed carving and sculpturing. Wonder how many people worked on it and how long it took them.
ReplyDeleteChrisJ: As per the records it took 12 years and 1200 artisans to build this magnificent temple.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures ..very nice job..!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely marvelous temple!! It does not only look grandeur, but the fine arts and rock carvings totally enhance the building taking forward elegantly.
ReplyDeleteExcellent photos! Nice perspective
Wonderful architecture!
ReplyDeleteIts 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
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Great captures, Rajesh. Liked the zoom of roof :)
ReplyDeleteExcellent carvings.Lovely Images.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful captures, highlighting the temple architecture.
ReplyDeleteA monument of Great and rich Indian culture. Very nice pictures.
ReplyDeleteHave visited the temple. Beautiful architecture indeed...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!!! this is one of my dream destinations :)
ReplyDeleteAmazed by the brilliantly rich culture photography. Makes you feel connected to your roots. Missing India thanks to you. Lovely post.
ReplyDeletephew...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!
ReplyDeleteThanks 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.....
ReplyDeleteNatureram