The Earth Story

Konark Sun Temple, Odisha

King Narasimha Deva built the Konark Sun Temple during 1250 A.D. and dedicated to Sun God, Surya. According to Hindu mythology, Surya is considered as prime source of life giving energy and healer of diseases. The temple is situated 65 kms from the city of Bhubaneswar, India.

The temple was designed as a giant chariot, with 12 pairs of wheels being driven by seven horses, all carved out of stone. The seven horses symbolise seven days of a week. The 24 giant wheels have intricate design patterns, and the spokes acts as a sundial, accurately measuring time. The temple is aligned east-west and marks the journey of Sun across the sky.

The three main areas of the temple are the inner sanctum, the outer porch (jagamohana), and the dancing hall (nata mandapa). The temple is a fine piece of Kalinga architecture of that era with beautiful statues and intricate stone carvings all around.

The temple is made of black sandstone and was also called the Black Pagoda by European travellers. The image of the Sun God made from high quality chlorite stone is a masterpiece work of art, and is placed beyond the porch in the inner sanctum. The exquisite design of the temple, marvellous stone sculptures of gods and figures in erotic poses, animals and other details reflects the depth of craftsmanship of the people of that period.

Besides stones, there is iron plating between every two stone blocks. A giant magnet weighing 52 tonnes was planted at the top of the temple, and other smaller magnets were arranged around the lower columns. Local legends say that arrangements of the main magnet and the other magnets used to make the idol of Sun God float in mid air. The invaders descreated the temple during Muslim rule, and the ravaging effects of sand and sea, also resulted in the destruction of many parts of the temple to a great extent, ruining beautiful statues and sculptures.

The magnets had a very disruptive effect on the ships compasses and lead to the destruction of many ships. British later on, removed the magnets during excavation of the temple. At present the temple is preserved as UNESCO World Heritage site.

[Source: http://bit.ly/1C9yJPA

http://bit.ly/18OSRuT]

[Video source: http://bit.ly/1EDiNES]

[Image source: www.travel.india.com]

--RB.

Martand Sun Temple: Indo-Greek architectural specimen

Martand Sun Temple is situated near Anantnag, Kashmir. This ancient temple was built during the reign of King Lalitaditya (693 - 729 A.D.), and is dedicated to Sun God. There are only two such temples in existence in India, the Martand Sun Temple of Anantnag and the Konark Temple of Odisha.

King Lalitaditya was a great warrior and a strong ruler who built a massive empire. He was also a renowned builder, and the great many temples of Vishnu and Shiva, Hindu Gods, are a testament to it. He was also tolerant towards other religions, and built many Buddhist viharas. One of them had a huge statue of Lord Buddha made of copper.

The great Monarch had a vision of building a temple of unparalleled excellence. Kashmirian architecture reached its peak during his reign. In the words of British architect and scholar, Sir Alexander Cunningham: "The architectural remains of Kashmir are perhaps the most remarkable of the existing monuments of India."

The design was influenced by Greek architecture, and is sculpted from blue limestone. The lofty pyramidal roofs, trefoiled doorways and the great width of the intervening columns all show a unique architectural style, quite distinct from rest of the Indian architecture of that period.

The temple is a fine specimen of great craftsmanship of the Kashmiris. The 6 - 8 feet limestone blocks were manually carried to the temple area after being brought ashore on boats. Without the aid of any modern tools and technological know how, the architects built this magnificent edifice. The temple was designed in a unique way so that the sunlight would fall on the idol (idol of Sun God) throughout the day.

At present, only the plinth and few pillars survive but the beautiful facade, rich panellings and intricate stone carvings describe the expertise of the craftsmen of a bygone era.

Source: http://bit.ly/1X4zVU7

Image source:www.holidayiq.com

For further information: www.kousa.org/Vitasta/6b.html

-RB.