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The
Konark
Sun
Temple
is
a
UNESCO
World
Heritage
Site
located
in
the
town
of
Konark
in
the
Puri
district
of
Odisha,
India.
Dedicated
to
the
Hindu
sun
god
Surya,
the
temple
is
renowned
for
its
architectural
grandeur
and
intricate
sculptures.
Here
are
key
details
about
the
Konark
Temple:
Location:
Konark
is
situated
on
the
eastern
coast
of
Odisha,
about
35
kilometers
northeast
of
Puri
and
65
kilometers
from
the
state
capital,
Bhubaneswar.
History:
The
Konark
Sun
Temple
was
built
in
the
13th
century
by
King
Narasimhadeva
I
of
the
Eastern
Ganga
Dynasty.
The
temple
served
as
a
monumental
representation
of
the
chariot
of
the
sun
god,
with
24
intricately
carved
wheels
and
seven
life-size
horses.
Architectural
Style:
The
temple
is
an
exemplary
representation
of
Kalinga
architecture,
a
style
prevalent
in
the
Odisha
region
during
the
medieval
period.
The
main
sanctum,
known
as
the
"Deul,"
is
shaped
like
a
colossal
chariot
with
intricate
carvings
and
sculptures.
Wheel
of
the
Chariot:
The
temple
is
famous
for
its
chariot
wheels,
which
are
elaborately
carved
with
symbolic
motifs
and
intricate
designs.
The
wheels
are
so
intricately
designed
that
they
also
function
as
sundials,
and
the
spokes
serve
as
time
indicators.
Erotic
Sculptures:
Similar
to
other
temples
of
the
region,
Konark
features
erotic
sculptures
as
part
of
its
decorative
elements.
These
carvings
are
often
interpreted
as
symbolic
depictions
of
the
circle
of
life
and
fertility.
Natya
Mandapa
and
Jagamohana:
The
temple
complex
includes
the
Natya
Mandapa
(dance
hall)
and
Jagamohana
(assembly
hall).
The
Natya
Mandapa
has
beautifully
carved
sculptures
depicting
various
dance
poses
and
musicians.
The
Jagamohana,
though
incomplete,
displays
impressive
architectural
features.
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