You must have seen the picture of Konark Sun Temple on the back of the 10 Rupee Note. It is one of the major Sun temples of India. This temple was constructed in such a way that the first rays of the sun fell on the place of worship and the idol of the Lord. Konark Temple is located in Konark city, 35 kilometres from Jagannath Puri in the Indian state of Odisha. This temple was built under the Kalinga architectural style. This temple is made of sandstone and granite.
History of Konark Sun Temple
Konark temple is dedicated to the Sun God. It is famous all over the world. A large number of devotees from all over the country and the world come to Konark to have a darshan of the Sun God and to visit the temple. Konark Temple was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1984. There is a difference of opinion among historians regarding the construction of the Konark temple. Many experts say that the Konark temple was built by King Nrisimhadev, the ruler of the Ganga dynasty. At the same time, some experts argue that the earlier construction of the Konark temple could not be done after the death of King Nrisimhadev. At present, the main reason for the incomplete collapsed structure of the temple is said to be the death of King Nrisimhadev. However, it lacks authenticity. According to experts, the Konark temple was built in the year 1260. Whereas, the reign of King Nrisimhadev lasted till 1282.
What is the mythology of the temple?
Talking about the history of this temple, according to the Puranas, Lord Shri Krishna’s son Samb had once misbehaved with Narada Muni. Due to this, Narad ji became angry and cursed. Due to the curse, Samba suffered from leprosy. Samba performed rigorous penance to Lord Surya at the confluence of the Chandrabhaga river in Mitravan. Lord Surya is considered a physician. There is a religious belief that worshipping the Lord Sun provides relief from all diseases. Therefore, Samba also pleased the Sun God by worshipping hard. At that time Lord Suryadev was pleased and cured Samba. After this Samba decided to build a temple of Sun God in Konark. It is said that when Samb was bathing in the Chandrabhaga river, he found an idol of Sun God, which Vastu expert Vishwakarma ji built. Later Samba built the Sun Temple in Mitravan.
Konark Sun Temple
Konark Temple is located in Konark city, 35 kilometres from Jagannath Puri in the Indian state of Odisha. This temple was built under the Kalinga architectural style. This temple is made of sandstone and granite. Konark comprises two words Kon and Ark. Arka means Sun God. In this temple, Suryadev is riding on a chariot. This temple is built towards the east in such a way that the first ray of the sun falls at the entrance of the temple. The structure of this temple is in the shape of a chariot.
Importance of Chariot
This temple shows the movement of time. This temple is built in the shape of the chariot of Sun God. There are 12 pairs of wheels in this chariot. Also, 7 horses are seen pulling this chariot. These 7 horses symbolize 7 days. It is also believed that the 12 wheels symbolize the 12 months of the year. At some places, these 12 pairs of wheels are also seen as 24 hours of the day. Four of these wheels are still used as sundials to tell time. The temple also has 8 tadis which represent the 8 prahars of the day.
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