1 Dec 2009

Konark Sun Temple, Orissa

Konark Sun Temple dates back to the 13th century and it is one of World Heritage Sites. It was built in a form of the chariot of the Sun god (Surya) with twelve pairs of wheels and seven horses pulling it. It has amazing stone carving decorations all over the walls. The first thing you notice at the entrance are giant lions that are crushing elephants that stand on the top of human bodies. Next, you see elegant carvings of different dance poses and musicians -- that's were dance performances used to be held. Later statues of humans and divine figures in different erotic poses derived from Kama Sutra start. I don't know whether to believe it, but our guide was telling us that the reason for the erotic statues was very low population of Orissa state after several wars. If that is the case, all I can say that it worked brilliantly! Achieved the goal and then some more... :o) There are also numerous detailed war and daily life scenes including animals as well as floral and geometric patterns. Unfortunately, the temple suffered a lot of damage when Orissa was attacked by a Muslim king in the 16th century, but you can picture it's glorious past. Worth a visit!






6 comment(s):

Anonymous said...

excellent capture. This is my home town :)

Unknown said...

hey, thanks for your comment and welcome to my blog :o)

sandriukasm said...

Niu kaip dziaugiuosi atradusi sita puslapiuka. Va nors Jusu deka ir graziu nuotrauku vaizdiniais as apsilankysiu INdijoje. Man tai begalo grazi salis...

Unknown said...

As taip pat dziaugiuosi, kad atradote mano kuklu puslapiuka. Stengiuosi dalintis tuom, ka matau :o)

Unknown said...

Wow, amazing pics. Konark Sun Temple is also called as Konark Temple. Temple is attract tourist most, it is located in Orissa india.The chariot is very huge and has 12 pairs of stone-carved wheels and also a squad of seven running horses. Seven horses, symbolizes the seven days of the week, 12 pairs of wheels symbolizes the 12 months of the year. For more details refer Sun temple konark

P.N. Subramanian said...

Amazing pictures. We were there in April 98.