Konark Sun Temple

Sūrya, the Sun · Konark, Odisha · UNESCO World Heritage

The 13th-century Sun Temple at Konark, built under King Narasiṃhadeva I of the Eastern Gaṅga dynasty, was designed as the chariot of Sūrya: twenty-four carved stone wheels drawn by seven horses. Much of the main tower has fallen, but the surviving assembly hall and sculptures are among the finest in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The wheels are often described as sundials, and they make Konark a natural place to think about the Sun’s role in Jyotiṣa. The Chandrabhāgā Melā on Māgha Saptamī and the Konark Dance Festival in December draw visitors.

According to the Sāmba Purāṇa tradition, Kṛṣṇa’s son Sāmba was struck by leprosy through a curse. He worshipped Sūrya for twelve years at the place where the Chandrabhāgā met the sea, and was healed. Konark is remembered as that place, which is why the Sun is worshipped here as the healer.

Odisha · Sūrya · UNESCO World Heritage · Māgha Saptamī

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