The Konark Sun Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Odisha, India, is renowned for its exquisite Kalinga style architecture. However, the recent initiative of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to remove sand from the temple’s interiors has further drawn attention to this historical edifice. This article delves into the conservation process of the pristine monument, its historical significance, and the unique architectural features that make it a landmark of Indian culture.
The Conservation Process
In 1903, British administrators filled up the assembly hall of Konark Sun Temple, known as Jaga Mohan, with sand to ensure its stability. They created an opening at the upper section of the Jaga Mohan and poured the sand through it. Over a century later, after alerts about potential damage from the settled sand leading to a gap of 17 feet between the structure and the sand layer, ASI has initiated a preliminary plan for safely removing the sand from the temple’s interior. For this task, the Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) at Roorkee, responsible for a scientific study on the temple’s structural sustainability between 2013 and 2018, will assist the ASI.
Historical Background: The Konark Sun Temple
Built in the 13th century AD by King Narasimhadeva I, the Konark Sun Temple is symbolic of the might and cultural ethos of the Eastern Ganga Empire. The Eastern Ganga dynasty was a prominent Indian royal lineage that held sway over Kalinga from the 5th to the early 15th century, having established itself when Indravarma I defeated the Vishnukundin king.
The design of the temple is in the form of a gigantic chariot dedicated to the Sun God, complete with 24 wheels on both sides and seven horses. It is believed that the wheels represent hours or months, while the horses symbolize days of the week. The compelling architectural grandeur and intricately detailed sculptures of the temple underscore the pinnacle of achievement in Kalinga architecture, manifesting various aspects of life in their rich variety.
Significance of the Sun Temple
Besides its immense historical significance, the Konark Sun Temple has long been associated with nautical folklore. Sailors referred to it as the Black Pagoda, due to a belief that the temple attracted ships towards the shore, causing them to wreck. Notably, Konark is crucial in tracing the cultural spread of the Sun God’s worship, which originated in Kashmir during the 8th century and ultimately reached the eastern shores of India. Other significant monuments in Odisha include the Jagannath Temple, Tara Tarini Temple, Udaygiri and Khandagiri Caves, and Lingaraja Temple.
Overview of Kalinga Architecture
Indian temple architecture encompasses several styles like Nagara, Vesara, Dravida, and Gadag. The unique representation of temples in Odisha, however, is classified under a distinct category known as the Kalinga style, which largely aligns with the Nagara style.
In Kalinga architecture, a temple typically comprises two segments: a tower (deula) and a hall (jagmohan). Both parts adorn lavish architectural motifs and an abundance of figures. The recurring horseshoe shape in the design traces back to the large windows of the chaitya-grihas from earliest times.
There are three types of temples in Kalinga architecture: Rekha Deula, Pidha Deula, and Khakhara Deula. The first two types are usually associated with Vishnu, Surya, and Shiva temples, while the last type majorly relates to Chamunda and Durga temples. The Rekha Deula and Khakhara Deula house the sanctum sanctorum, while the Pidha Deula includes the outer dancing and offering halls.
