This marks a significant milestone visiting the heritage site of Konark Sun Temple. ”Kona” means corner and “arka” means Sun.
It was built in 13th century by King Narasimhadeva I of Ganga dynasty. The whole structure was built by 1200 artisans over 12 years. The structure is a chariot with 24 wheels drawn by 7 horses. The carved wheels and spokes of the wheel acts as a sun dial (reads time).
The whole structure of Konark Sun Temple, Odisha and the wheels shows artistic creation from childhood to adulthood depicting the wheel of life.
The idol which is no longer there is believed to have been floating on air (like levitation) due to the magnets placed at the temple.
Aruna, the charioteer had been moved from Konark to the top of the tall pillar called stambha facing the east lions gate at Jagannath temple.
Konark Sun Temple, Jagannath temple and Lingraj Bhubaneswar forms a golden triangle.
Please use discretion to view some of the carvings.
The temple is under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The wheel is a sun dial and the time is read anti-clockwise. The 12am is at the top centre and 12pm is at the bottom centre. There are 8 big spokes and 8 thin spokes. The calculation between the big spoke and the thin spoke is 3 hours. The thin spoke between two big spoke is calculated as 1.5 hours. There are 30 beads between the big spoke and thin spoke. Each bead is 3 minutes.
One may ask what is the meaning of wheel of life? In it's physical structure, it’s a wheel around the chariot. The carvings inside the wheels depicts childhood to adult life. Also, various carvings of Gods, Goddesses in various avatars and poses relating a story.
The wheel is also on the India flag. There are various official medals that includes a wheel in various forms and shapes sometimes known as chakra.
My perspective: It’s in constant motion of time and space and once we are in control of this aspect, we have mastered the principles of this so called universe.
Konark Sun Temple Frame of A Woman holding a Handbag.
The woman who looks to be a warrior with a "BIG SMILE" on her face, holding her shield on her hand is showing her "STRENGTH" despite being crushed.
Boxing on middle frame second from left, music, dance, contemplation, warrior at Konark Sun Temple. Yog, Union with Self extreme right on first row. A masterpiece creation at Konark Sun Temple.
Our ancestors were Master Architects in ancient days! High Heels Worn by a Woman at Konark Sun Temple.
One of the frame beautifully sculptured man/pilgrim with a beard holding a mushroom or showing his Enlightenment.
