The revered 13th century Sun Temple at Konark, located in Odisha, is causing quite a stir due to allegations of the original stone carvings on the outer surface being replaced with plain blocks. Allegedly, these replacements are causing irreparable harm to the temple’s uniqueness and authenticity. The news has raised several eyebrows, especially since about 40% of the beautiful stone carvings have reportedly been replaced by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) using plain stones. Critics argue that these new stones fail to match the quality of the original stone blocks, which are still available in the vicinity. Concerns heighten as UNESCO guidelines for World Heritage Sites restoration stipulate that no replication should occur if an original stone carving is lost.
The Grandeur of the Sun Temple at Konark
Revered for its splendid architecture and spiritual ambiance, the Sun Temple at Konark was constructed around 1250 A.D by the Eastern Ganga ruler Narasimha Deva I. The temple’s name derives from two words—’Kona’, meaning corner, and ‘Arka’, meaning the Sun. Together, they signify that the Sun god worshipped in Ark Kshetra is known as Konark.
Architectural Excellence of the Temple
Often referred to as ‘BLACK PAGODA’, the temple served as a navigational landmark for sailors bound for Odisha due to its dark hue. It is meticulously designed to face the east so that the first rays of sunrise strike the main entrance. Constructed using Khondalite rocks, the temple stands as an artistic masterpiece, symbolizing the chariot of the Sun God. One can see twelve pairs of wheels pulled by seven horses, depicting the deity’s movement across the havens.
The original temple had a Vimana (the structure over the Garbhagriha or inner sanctum) which was around 229 feet (70 m) tall. However, it has since fallen off. The audience hall (Jagamohana), which stands about 128 feet (30 m) tall, remains the predominant structure of the surviving ruins. Other structures that have withstood the test of time are the dance hall (Nata Mandira) and dining hall (Bhoga Mandapa). The temple features intricate friezes of elephants, decorative ornaments, and highly sensual figures interwoven into their rich ornamentation.
| Temple | Location |
|---|---|
| Modhera Surya temple | Gujarat |
| Martand Sun temple | Kashmir |
| Katarmal Sun Temple | Uttarakhand |
| Dakshinarkaa temple | Gaya, Bihar |
| Bhramanya temple | Unao, Madhya Pradesh |
| Surya Prahaar temple | Assam |
| Suryanar Kovil Temple | Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu |
| Suryanarayana temple | Arasavalli, Andhra Pradesh |
Significance of the Temple
The Sun Temple is directly related to the Brahman beliefs in the personification of the Sun God, as represented in the Vedas and classical texts. After originating in Kashmir during the 8th century, the cult of Surya eventually reached the shores of Eastern India and Konark serves as a visible link in this historical journey. Adorned with intricate depictions of contemporary life and activities, the temple is a culmination of Kalinga architectural excellence.
ASI and its Role in Preservation
The ASI, established in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, is the leading organization in India for archaeological research, scientific analysis, excavation of archaeological sites, and conservation and preservation of protected monuments.