The Sun Temple Of Konark

Explanation :

• Located in Puri, Odisha, the thirteenth-century Sun Temple, was built by King Narasimhadeva I (AD 1236-1264) of the Ganga dynasty.
• Three kinds of stones were used in its construction, namely Chlorite, Laterite, and Khondalite rocks. The original temple consisted of the main sanctuary, called Bada Deul or Rekha Deul, which was surrounded by other smaller structures. In front of the main sanctuary stood another smaller sanctum called the Bhadra Deul or the assembly hall of the people.
• It exhibits the traditional Odisha style of architecture, also known as Kalinga architecture, on a grand scale.
• The temple is constructed as a gigantic chariot with 24 wheels about three meters high and pulled by 7 horses, housing the Sun God within.
• The entrance is guarded by two huge lions, each killing a war elephant and beneath the elephant is a man. The lions represent pride, elephants represent wealth and both of them consume man.
• This temple is also known as 'Black Pagoda' due to its dark color and used as a navigational landmark by ancient sailors to Odisha coast.