KONARK SUN TEMPLE.pptx

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1. Sun Temples, Konark

2. Introduction Konark Sun Temple is located in East Odisha near Puri. Built in the 13 th century by King Narasimhadeva I (CE 1238-1264) of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. Belongs to the Kalinga school of architecture Temple is Dedicated to Surya One of the largest sun Temple in India. Famous not only for its architecture but also for sculptural work and decoration. It is declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1984.

3. Meaning & Significance of the Temple The name Konark is derived from the two words  Kona  meaning, corner and  Arka  meaning sun. Earlier, sailors once called Black Pagoda because it was supposed to draw ships to the shore and cause shipwrecks The temple is designed in the shape of a colossal chariot. There are two rows of 12 wheels on each side of the temple. The seven horses are said to symbolize the seven days of the week. Each wheel is about 10 feet high. According to Bayachkada bahi 1200, Odishan artists took 12 years for the construction of this gigantic structure.  According to Kapila Vatsyayan , the sun temple of Konark follows the ancient text Silpasarini .

4. Architectural Variations in Odisha temples

5. Discovery & Restoration James Fergusson (1808-1836 CE), visited Konarak and 1837 CE and prepared a drawing. He estimated the height of the portion still standing as being between 42.67 and 45.72 metres. Fergusson wrote that a local raja had removed some sculptures to decorate a temple in his own fort. Locals also removed the fallen stones and taking out the iron cramps and dowels.

6. Sun Temple: Present condition The   deul  including the magnificent  shikhara  has been lost with time. At present, only the  Jaganmohan   ( Mandapa ) and The pillared  bhogamandapa  (refectory hall), also known as the natamandapa (dancing hall) survived. This part contains numerous sculptures of dancers and musicians on its walls and pillars, in front, remain. Life-size images of Surya

7. Old Pictures

8. Ariel view

9. The Main Sanctum (Rekha Deula / Garbhagruha ) has fallen off. The Mandapa ( Jagmohan ) survives, Small portions of the Dancing Hall ( NatyaMandir ) have survived. The Temple compound measures 857 ft (261 m) by 540 ft (160 m). The alignment of the Sun Temple is in the East-West direction. Estimated height of Vimana could have been 229 feet (70 m) The mandapa  ( jagamohana ), is about 128 feet (39 m) tall.

10. Elements of the Temple Rekha Deula , Jagamohana , Natamandap and Bhogmandapa . Jagmohan is bigger than Sanctum ( Deula ) Square Base The above units lie east-west axis.  Surrounded in compound wall.

11. Sun Temple, Konark Temple was constructed on a high, intricately carved platform.  Temple is surrounded by enclosed wall (area: 856 x 540 ft). Sanctum ( Deul ) was surrounded by subsidiary shrines containing huge niches depicting Surya.  Panchratha on the plan. The east-facing Jagamohana has a huge pyramidal roof, three entrance The Natamandira stand as a separate structure in front of the main temple. It had an approachable flight of steps on four sides.

12. Jagmohana (Mandapa) 30 meter high Only Surviving Structure Pyramidical roof Has three tiers of six  pidas  each Each terraces has figures Sculptures all along

13. Natya Mandapa At the front of Jagmohan On the east side of the main temple is Natamandapa Mandapa stands on a high, intricately carved platform The platform is highly decorated Superstructure not survived

14. Art The Sun temple of Konark is remarkable for its variety of sculptures. The images of Surya The Navagraha sculpture. Erotic figures : various stages of courtship and intimacy. Flora and fauna : Plants, Birds, beasts, aquatic animals, wild and domestic animals like lions, elephants and horses Others : Mythological figures, geographic motifs, etc. Social life : Decorative bodies, male and female musicians holding various musical instruments, hunting scenes, transport, festivals, etc. Interior of temple is plain.

15. Sculptural Art

16. Main Sculptures Main deity: Surya Sub main deities: Shiv Vishnu Narsimha Durga Gajlakshmi Parvati Kuber Agni Varuna Aaditya

17. Small sculptures Every bit of space available has been covered by the sculptors The temple is famous for its erotic sculptures, which can be found primarily on the second level of the porch structure. Endless variety of themes, with figures indulging in song and dance The finished sculpture has minute details like jewellery-quality and other miniature details.  The platform contains friezes of Elephants, Marching soldiers, Musicians, and images depicting the secular life of the people, Hunting scenes, A caravan of domesticated animals, Bullock cart, Travellers preparing a meal along the roadside, and festive processions etc.

18. A colossal idol of Surya in the southern niche is a characteristic sculpture of this temple. It is also one of the very few sculptures in India which show a god wearing boots. The Surya is depicted standing on his chariot drawn by seven horses. Wearing a short lower garment ( antariya )  and many ornaments.  The hair is worn in a bun on the crown of the head. The entire sculpture stands on a chlorite pedestal and is made from a single piece. It is 3.38 metres high, 1.8 metres wide and 71 cm thick.    

19. Vyala are regarded as masterpieces of the sculptural art of the Odisha region Lions standing on crouching elephants The entrance is guarded by two giant lions, which are each shown crushing a war elephant

20. It has 24 wheels which are nearly 12 feet (3.7 m) in diameter and are pulled by seven horses. Each wheel has a diameter of 9 feet, 9 inches, with 8 spokes.

21. The temple was made from three types of stone. Chlorite : For sculptures, door lintel and frames Laterite :  used for the core of the platform and staircases near the foundation. Khandolite : used for construction of the temple. No mortar was used

22. Conclusion The history of Odishan temples attained its climax at Sun Temple Konark in the 13 th Century. It marks the highest point of achievement in Kalinga architecture. The temple depicts the grace, the joy and the rhythm of life in all its wondrous variety. Fergusson concludes that “ Odishan temples form one of the most compact and homogenous architectural groups in India”.

23. Any Questions ?