The Konark Sun Temple is a 13th-century Hindu temple dedicated to the Sun God (Surya), located in Konark, Odisha. It was built in 1250 CE by King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga dynasty.
The temple is designed in the shape of a giant stone chariot with twelve intricately carved wheels and seven horses, symbolizing the Sun God’s celestial chariot. The architecture is an extraordinary example of Kalinga style and showcases detailed stone carvings depicting deities, animals, dancers, and scenes from daily life.
Although much of the temple is now in ruins, the surviving structures reflect its former grandeur. The temple is also aligned in such a way that the first rays of the rising sun would strike the main entrance.
In 1984, UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site, recognizing it as one of the most magnificent monuments of India’s cultural heritage.
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