Published: 14th Sep, 2023
Context
At the G20 Summit venue in Delhi, the historic Konark Wheel from Odisha’s Sun Temple emerged as a focal point of attention. Prime Minister has selected a wall adorned with a depiction of this ancient architecture as the backdrop for his warm welcome to world leaders.
About
About Konark Wheel:
- The Konark Wheel was built during the 13th century under the reign of King Narasimhadeva-I of the Ganga dynasty.
- The Wheel is an integral part of the Sun Temple, dedicated to the sun god ‘Surya’.
- The temple was designed as a huge chariot drawn by 7 mighty spirited horses on 12 pairs (total 24 wheels) of gorgeously decorated wheels at its base.
- The wheel size is 9 feet 9 inches in diameter, each with 8 wider spokes and 8 thinner spokes.
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Konark wheels are used as Sun dials in ancient times to know the time of the day. |
- Out of these 24 wheels, 6 are on either side of the main temple, 4 are on each side of the Mukhasala, and 2 are on each side of the steps at the eastern front.
Cultural significance of the Wheel
- Its rotating motion symbolises time, 'Kaalchakra', as well as progress and continuous change.
- They portray the cycle of creation, preservation and achievement of realisation.
- These 12 pairs of wheels may also possibly represent the 12 zodiac signs.
- Some also believe that the Wheel of Konark is the same as the Dharmachakra of the Buddhists – “The Wheel of Karma, The Wheel of the Law. “
The Sun Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site):
- Built in the 13th Century by Ganga king Narasimhadeva 1(AD 1238-1264), the Sun Temple is located on the eastern shores of the Indian subcontinent.
- Architecture: Kalinga architecture
- Design:The Konark temple is designed in the form of the chariot of the Sun god.
- The temple stands on a base of a total of 24 intricately carved wheels, 12 on each side. Four of the wheels can still be used as sundials to tell the time.
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Each wheel has eight spokes. In the Indian time system, the day is divided into eight pahars comprising three hours each. The wheels served as a sun dial. One can tell the time accurate to a minute by observing the shadow of the axel falling on the rest of the wheel. |
- Components of the Temple:
- Main Entrance: The main entrance of the Sun Temple, the Gajasimha - gaja meaning elephant and simhareferring to lions - derives its name from two massive stone lions crushing elephants.
- The vimana (principal sanctuary) was surmounted by a high tower with a shikhara (crowning cap), which was razed in the 19th century.
- To the east, the jahamogana (audience hall) dominates the ruins with its pyramidal mass.
- Farther to the east, the natmandir (dance hall), today unroofed, rises on a high platform.
- The Sun Temple is directly associated with the idea and belief of the personification of the Sun God, which is adumbrated in the Vedas and classical texts.
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