The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) denied allegations of replacement of artistic stone works at the Sun Temple in Konark. The clarification comes after Odisha Chief Minister urged the Central government to direct the ASI to probe the allegation.
About:
Location: It is located on the coastline of Odisha in Puri district.
History: It was built in the 13th century. The temple is attributed to king Narasingha deva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty about 1250 CE.
Features:
Also called the Surya Devalaya, the temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Surya.
The temple complex has the appearance of a 100-foot high solar chariot, with 24 wheels and pulled by six horses, all carved from stone.
Various sculptures adorn the outer surface of the temple which are famed for their intricate artwork, iconography, and themes, including erotic kama and mithuna scenes.
It is a classic example of the Odisha style of Architecture or Kalinga Architecture.
It is oriented towards the east so that the first rays of the sunrise strike the main entrance.
The temple, built from Khondalite rocks, was originally constructed at the mouth of the river Chandrabhaga, but the waterline has receded since then.
The wheels of the temple are sundials, which can be used to calculate time accurately to a minute.
This temple was also known as 'BLACK PAGODA' due to its dark colour and used as a navigational landmark by ancient sailors to Odisha
It was given the status of a World Heritage Site in 1984 by UNESCO.
The temple remains a site of contemporary worship for Hindus, during the annual Chandrabhaga Festival, around the month of February.
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