Konark, located in the Puri district of Odisha, is renowned for the magnificent Konark Sun Temple, a 13th-century architectural marvel dedicated to the Sun God, Surya. Built during the reign of King Narasimhadeva I, this temple, also known as the Black Pagoda due to the black granite used in its construction, stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple, despite its partial ruins due to weather and proximity to the sea, remains a significant tourist attraction, celebrated for both its erotic sculptures and intricate stone-carved wheels that serve as a sundial.
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| Konark temple, extended view, Odisha en.wikipedia.org |
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| The Sun temple of Konark and the time wheel. Odisha en.wikipedia.org |
Above image: A stone wheel engraved on the walls of the temple. The design of the temple is that of a chariot with 24 such wheels. Each wheel has a diameter of 9 feet, 9 inches, with 8 spokes. image credit: Subhrajyoti07
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| The Sun temple/ Deula, Konark britannica.com |
Above image: The Sun temple was designed to represent Sun god's chariot with 12 huge carved stone wheels and 7 stone horses around its base. The Surya Deula is about 100 feet (30 metres) high and would have surpassed 200 feet (60 metres) in height at its completion. The exterior is covered with sculptured decorations, many depicting erotic scenes.
The temple is designed as a giant chariot drawn by seven horses and mounted on 24 richly adorned wheels, each approximately 9 feet 9 inches in diameter. These wheels not only symbolize the grandeur of the temple but also serve a unique purpose—telling time. The spokes of the wheels act as a sundial, with each wheel having 8 wider spokes and 8 thinner spokes. By observing the shadow cast by these spokes, one can determine the time of day with remarkable precision.
There are varying interpretations of the significance of the wheels and horses. Some scholars suggest that the seven horses represent the days of the week, the 12 pairs of wheels symbolize the 12 months of the year, and the 24 wheels signify the 24 hours of a day. The eight major spokes are said to represent the eight prahars (three-hour periods) of a day. Others see the wheels as symbolic of the Wheel of Life, embodying the cyclical nature of existence—creation, preservation, and realization. There is also a theory that links the wheels to the Dharmachakra of Buddhism, symbolizing the Wheel of Karma or Law.
Each of the 24 wheels is uniquely decorated, with medallions at their centers and carvings of various animals, birds, and foliage on the rims. The medallions often feature erotic figures, adding to the temple's historical allure. These ornate sculptures are considered masterpieces of ancient Indian art, depicting the human experience, including intimate relationships, as an intrinsic part of life.
In addition to the sundials, the temple also features moon dials, allowing time to be estimated after sunset, particularly on full moon nights. Though the moon dials are less precise, they work effectively within a window of time around the full moon, offering a fascinating glimpse into the advanced scientific and architectural knowledge of the time.
Konark Sun Temple completed in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, is a timeless testament to India's rich cultural and architectural heritage, drawing tourists and scholars alike to unravel its many mysteries related to advanced craftsmanship and religious devotion of its time.
https://www.britannica.com/place/Konark
https://www.navrangindia.in/2017/06/awe-inspiring-konark-sun-temple-and.html
http://www.thekonark.in/konarkwheel.html
http://www.industrytap.com/ancient-sun-temple-worlds-biggest-clock/18092
https://wn.com/750_year_old_sundial_at_konark,_india_moondial_too
https://www.hindufaqs.com/secret-sundial-konark-sun-temple-india
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