Page 316 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - India

314  EASTERN INDIA

2 Konark: The Sun Temple

One of India’s great architectural marvels, this Maiden with Bird
temple to the Sun God, Surya, was conceived as Statues of graceful
maidens in a
a gigantic chariot, with 12 pairs of wheels to carry variety of poses
the Sun God on his daily journey across the sky. are carved on the
Built in the 13th century by King Narasimhadeva of temple’s façades.
the Eastern Ganga dynasty (see p48), the temple is
also remarkable for its superb sculptures. Gods and
demons, kings and peasants, elephants and horses
jostle for space on its walls with dozens of erotic
couples. Konark is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

. Surya
The majestic image of
the Sun God stands on
a chariot. He is flanked by
his wives, and other deities.

KEY
1 Court Scene, is an enchanting
relief of the king being presented with
a giraffe. This indicates the existence
of maritime trade between Odisha’s
Eastern Ganga kings and Africa.
2 Amalaka
3 The three-tiered roof is shaped
like a stepped pyramid and crowned
with a round fluted stone called an
amalaka. The terraces between each
tier are covered with sculptures.

. Wheels of the Chariot
The 12 pairs of exquisitely carved wheels represent
the months in a year, while the eight large spokes
mark the division of the day into three-hour
sections. The seven horses pulling the chariot
represent the days of the week.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see p698 and pp711–12

314-315_EW_India.indd 314 26/04/17 11:45 am
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.7)
Date 24th April 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm