Konarak Sun Temple - World Cultural Heritage in India

On the shores of the Bay of Bengal, bathed in the rays of the rising sun, the temple at Konarak is a monumental representation of the chariot of the sun god Surya; Its 24 wheels are adorned with iconic designs and it is led by a team of six horses. Built in the 13th century, it is one of India’s most famous Brahmin mosques.

Accreditation year: 1984
Criteria: (i)(iii)(vi)
Area: 10.62 hectares
Orissa State, Puri . District

Table of Contents

Outstanding global value

The Temple of the Sun at Konârak, located on the east coast of the Indian subcontinent, is one of the outstanding examples of temple art and architecture as revealed in concept, scale and proportions. tears, as well as the sublime storytelling power of its sculptural embellishment. It is an outstanding testimony of the 13th century kingdom of Orissa and a monumental example of divine personification, thus forming an invaluable link in the history of the propagation of the Surya sect, the Sun God. . In this sense, it is directly and materially associated with Brahminism and tantric belief systems. The Temple of the Sun is the pinnacle of Kalingan temple architecture, with all its defining elements in complete and perfect form. A masterpiece of creative genius in both concept and realization, the temple represents the chariot of the Sun God, with twelve pairs of wheels drawn by seven horses, evoking its movement on the heaven. It is embellished with intricate and subtle symbolic depictions of contemporary life and activities. To the north and south are 24 carved wheels, each about 3 meters in diameter, as well as symbolic motifs referring to the cycle of the seasons and months. These complete the illusory structure of the temple chariot. Between the wheels, the base of the temple is completely decorated with reliefs of great lions, musicians and dancers, and erotic groups.

Like many Indian temples, the Temple of the Sun consists of several distinct and well-organized spatial units. The vimana (main sanctuary) is enclosed by a tall tower with shikhara (headgear), which was razed in the 19th century. To the east, the jahamogana (audience hall) dominates the rubble with mass its pyramidal volume. Farther east, the natmandir (dance hall), now stripped of its roof, rises above a raised platform. Many other substructures are still found in the enclosing area of the rectangular wall, punctuated by gates and towers. The Temple of the Sun is a special testament, in physical form, to the 13th century Hindu Kingdom of Orissa, during the reign of Narasimha Deva I (1238-1264 AD). Its scale, sophistication and conception represent the strength and stability of the Ganga Empire as well as the value systems of the historical environment. Its aesthetic and intuitive sculptural stories are today an invaluable window into the religious, political, social and secular life of the people of that period. The Temple of the Sun is associated with the idea and belief of the incarnation of the Sun God, described in the Vedas and classical texts. The sun is personified as a god with history, ancestors, family, wife and descendants, and thus plays a very prominent role in myths and legends about creation. Furthermore, it is tied to all the myths of its own artistic creation – the most evocative of which is its construction over 12 years employing 1,200 artisans – and stories of deep commitment. by master builder Bisu Moharana for the project, in which his son (born during this period) later also participated. Konârak’s location and name are vital evidence for all of the above associations, and its architectural execution is closely linked to the living traditions of Brahminism and tantric practices.

Criterion (i): A unique artistic achievement, the temple has made lovely legends go around with absolute works of art: the construction of the temple involved 1,200 workers over 12 years . The architect, Bisu Moharana, left his birthplace to devote himself to his work, becoming the father of a son while he was away. This son in turn became part of the workshop, and after building the dome of the temple that his father was unable to complete, he set himself on fire by jumping into space.

Criterion (iii): Konârak is an outstanding example of the 13th century Orissa kingdom.

Criterion (vi): Linked directly and physically to the Brahmin faith, Konârak is an invaluable link in the history of the propagation of the Surya sect, which originated in Kashmir in the 8th century, and has finally reached its shores. East India Sea.

Integrity

The boundaries of the nominated heritage include the attributes necessary to represent the Outstanding Universal Value of the Temple of the Sun, Konârak. Within the inscribed and protected areas of the property, its surviving structures and sculptures, as well as those preserved in situ, represent the quintessential qualities of the figure. knowledge of architecture, design and sculpture. Furthermore, the protected area includes all areas that are likely to reveal any unexplored archaeological remains that can help improve understanding of the site’s Outstanding Universal Value. Potential and identified threats to the integrity of the site include development pressures: modernization and urban growth affect the site’s environment; environmental stress: deforestation caused by cyclones and human activities, salty winds and sandblasting, vehicle movement and microbial growth; tourism pressure: the number of visitors increased by 40%; natural disasters, floods, tornadoes; and increase the local population. Enlargement of site boundaries and buffer zone around the site by land acquisition was recommended for better site management. Concerns about the structural integrity of the site’s elements have been raised in the past, including the impact of monsoon rains and associated soil erosion. Also, in the past, erosion of the metal rods that support the structure by salt air has resulted in some damage. Enlargement of site boundaries and buffer zone around the site by land acquisition was recommended for better site management. Concerns about the structural integrity of the site’s elements have been raised in the past, including the impact of monsoon rains and associated soil erosion. Also, in the past, erosion of the metal rods that support the structure by salt air has resulted in some damage. Enlargement of site boundaries and buffer zone around the site by land acquisition was recommended for better site management. Concerns about the structural integrity of the site’s elements have been raised in the past, including the impact of monsoon rains and associated soil erosion. Also, in the past, erosion of the metal rods that support the structure by salt air has resulted in some damage.

Authenticity

The form and design authenticity of the Temple of the Sun is fully maintained through the surviving edifices, their place within the complex, the structure and the inseparable connection of the sculpture. engraved with architecture. The various attributes of the Temple of the Sun, including structures, sculptures, decorations, and narratives, are maintained in their original form and materials. Its setting and location have been preserved in its original form, near the shores of the Bay of Bengal. In order to preserve the attributes as stated, the Temple of the Sun, Konârak repeatedly evokes the strong spirit and feeling attached to the structure, which is today expressed in the living cultural practices associated with the property. this, such as the Chandrabhanga festival.

Protection and management requirements

The Temple of the Sun, Konârak is protected under the National Framework of India by the Antiquities and Archaeological Sites Act (AMASR) (1958) and its Rules (1959). Other related protective laws include the Forestry Act, the Konârak Development Act and the Noticed Council Areas Act. Under the AMASR Act, an area 100 meters outside the property and an area more than 200 meters outside of the property respectively constitute prohibited and regulated areas for development or other similar activity that may have adverse impact on the Outstanding Universal Value of real estate. All conservation programs are carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India through national, regional and local representatives. There are five management-related plans: safety, environment, master plan, environmental development and tourism. Jagamohana structure and its sculptures; establish stronger functional alignment of local and central government; including the establishment of a larger landscape into the designated area for development; and address identified threats related to development pressures, environmental pressures, tourism pressures, natural disasters, and local population growth.