Konark Sun Temple

Prime Minister of India recently discussed about the “Konark Sun Temple’s wheel” with the President of U.S. during G20 summit.

[ref- Archinomy]

About the Konark Sun Temple:

• Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century CE (year 1250) Sun temple built by king Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty at Konark, Puri, Odisha.
• Dedicated to the Hindu Sun God Surya, it is also called the Surya Devalaya & Black Pagoda.
• Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, it illustrates the Odisha style of Architecture or Kalinga architecture & follows the East-West alignment of the Sun.
• Chandrabhaga Mela & Konark Dance festival (devoted to Odissi classical dance) is annually celebrated at the temple.
• The Konark is a Sanskrit term meaning- Koṇa (corner or angle) and Arka (the sun).
• It is protected under the National Framework of India by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act (1958), under which construction around a 100 metres zone outside the property cannot be undertaken. 

Architecture of the Konark Sun Temple:

• The temple is in a shape of “Rath” (Chariot) with mandapa on a raised platform.
• The temple consists of a deul (sanctum sanctorum or the sanctuary), antarala, jagmohana (porch or the mahamandapa), Natmandir (dance hall), Vimana (tower) & bhoga–mandapa.
• The chariot of Surya has 12 pairs of ornamental wheels, which has to be pulled by 7 horses.
• On the north & south have 24 carved wheels, referring to the cycle of the seasons and the months. 
• The vimana (principal sanctuary) was surmounted by a high tower with a shikhara.
• While the British destroyed the shikara (the top of the main temple) in 19th century, the Jagamohana (the audience hall) is still erect.

Ref: Source