Konark Sun Temple
The Konark Sun Temple, located in Konark, a town in the Puri district of Odisha, India, is one of India's most magnificent and well-known historical sites. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning example of Kalinga architecture. Here's a breakdown of its key features and significance: 1. Architectural Marvel: The Chariot of the Sun God Design: The most striking feature of the Konark Temple is its unique design as a colossal chariot of the Sun God, Surya. It appears as if the entire temple complex is being pulled across the heavens. Wheels: The temple is adorned with 12 pairs of intricately carved stone wheels (24 in total) , each nearly 10 feet (3 meters) in diameter. These wheels are not just decorative; they are also accurate sundials ! By observing the shadow cast by the spokes, one can tell the precise time of day. The 12 pairs of wheels symbolize the 12 months of the year. The 8 spokes in each wheel represent the eight prahars (three-hour periods) of a da...