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The Sun Temple , Built by Raja
Narsimhadeva of the Ganga dynasty, in the 13th century AD, the temple is
a tribute to human grandeur, in its perception, and in the execution of
even the finest details. It resembles a huge chariot, with 24 wheels,
pulled by seven straining horses, and has a three-tiered pyramidal roof
topped off by a fine spire. The Sun - God's chariot, also represents the
seven days of the week, and the 24 hours of the day, in its concept. The
temple is a brilliant story in stone, with impressive sculptures. Every
aspect of life is represented here and the erotic imagery, depicts the
sublimation of human love manifested in countless forms. Scenes from
court, civic life and war are also done with great precision.
Unlike the other temples of the Bhubaneswar-Konark-Puri region, the
Konark temple had two smaller outer halls, completely separate from the
main structure. The assembly-hall and the tower were built on an
imposing platform, which were carved into meticulously crafted twelve
pairs of decorated wheels, each 10 feet in diameter. The entrance is
reached by a broad flight of steps, flanked on either side by prancing
horses, the whole representing the chariot, in which the Sun-God rides
across the heavens. The court of the temple, was decorated with large
free-standing sculptures of great strength and beauty. Now protected
under the World Heritage List, the temple's interior was filled - up in
1903 A.D., by the then British Lt. Governor of Bengal, to save it from
deterioration.
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