Konark Sun temple



The 13th century temple by Narasimhadeva I (1236-1264 AD), also known as Black Pagoda, is located 60 km from Bhubaneshwar in Orissa. It is a World Heritage centre by UNESCO.

The temple is made in the form of a chariot of Surya (Arka), the sun god, and is heavily decorated with stone carving. The entire complex was designed in the form of a gigantic chariot drawn by seven spirited horses on twelve pairs of exquisitely decorated wheels.

At the entrance is Nata Mandir mainly for dance performances. The temple tower is 229 ft high. Sun god is located at backside of the temple.

Sun temple video




Other sculptures decorating the temple's exterior include deities, animals, floral patterns, voluptuous women, mythical beasts and aquatic monsters. The 24 giant wheels are beautifully carved and each of the eight spokes bears a medallion containing figurative carvings. The temple has around 2000 elephant sculptures. Erotic sculptures from Konark Sun temple competes with that of Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. : Konark Erotica