VELUDHARAN TEMPLES VISIT : Konark Sun Temple /கொனார்க் சூரியக் கோயில் / କୋଣାର୍କ, Konark, Odisha, India.

Tuesday, 19 November 2024

Konark Sun Temple /கொனார்க் சூரியக் கோயில் / କୋଣାର୍କ, Konark, Odisha, India.

The visit to this Sun Temple at Konark, Odisha was a part of the “Kalinga and Ottara Desa Heritage Walk” organized by சோழ மண்டல வரலாற்றுத் தேடல் குழு, between 13th to 18th September 2024. The purpose of this Heritage walk was to see the places, monuments, etc., which are directly or indirectly connected as a proof of Rajendra Chozha’s victory mentioned in his meikeerthi/title over Kalinga and Ottara Desa, the present Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.

It is believed that there were three temples constructed for Surya in the northern part of India. Konark Sun temple is on the East side.

THE WORLD HERITAGE MONUMENT

SUN TEMPLE, KONARAK has been inscribed upon the World Heritage List of the Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage inscription on this List confirms the exceptional universal value of a cultural or natural site that deserves protection for the benefit of all humanity.

HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONS

The Sun Temple, Konark, Kainapara of the Periplus (First century CE) is an important port of the Odishan coast. The most notable marvel of Odishan art is the stately Sun Temple. Built in 1250 CE, during the reign of the Eastern Ganga King Narasimhadeva-I (1238-64 CE) it was to enshrine an image of Sun (Arka) the patron deity of the place. Except for part of Jagamohana stands and the Sanctum Sanctorum, Nata mandapa was damaged above the adhistanam, in 1837 CE. The sand was filled in the Jagamaohana to avoid further damage. After ASI took over, only the Jagamaohana was reconstructed.

As per the book on History of Orissa by RD Banerji, Narasimha-I will be remembered by posterity as the builder of the great temple of the Sun-God at Konakoņa or Koņārka in the Puri District. This fact is mentioned in the land grants of all the successors of Narasimha-I.

ARCHITECTURE

The original temple had a main sanctum sanctorum vimana, which is estimated to have been 229 feet (70 m) tall, jagamohana, which is about 128 feet (39 m) tall, and Nata mandapa and the Bhoga mandapa. Mighty Simha-gajas (A combination of Lion and elephant) welcome visitors at the porches. Between the wheels, the plinth of the temple is entirely decorated with reliefs of fantastic lions, musicians and dancers, and erotic groups. Like many Indian temples, the Sun Temple comprises several distinct and well-organized spatial units.

The Sanctum Sanctorum is with vimana, and the jagamaohana was designed & constructed in the form of a huge chariot. 24 wheels, 3 m in diameter, are on the south and north sides, and drawn by six(Seven…? Must be 6, 3 on each side) spirited horses. Some claim that the wheels show the exact time, seasons, and months, but this is not true.

The Sanctum Sanctorum symbolizes the majestic stride of the Sun god and marks the culmination of the Odishan/Kalinga architectural style. The Vimana of the deula has collapsed, while that of jagamohan and the nata-mandap are better preserved. The walls of the temple contain superb carvings of divine semidivine, human, and animal figures amidst floral and geometric ornamentations. The vivacious kanyas and dancers are remarkable for their sensuous modelling. Pulsating with human emotions which are absorbed in a variety of gestures and rhythmic actions, such sculptures render the Odishan temple a class unto itself. These are refined iconographical depictions of contemporary life and activities.

PC Website- Site Plan

PC Website - Sanctum Sanctorum

Koshta image

Surya in Koshtam

Pranala

JAGAMOHANA

The Wheel Sculptures

The Horse

NATA MANDAPA

The sculptures consists of Dancers, Musical instrument players.

LEGENDS

It is associated with all the legends of its own artistic creation – the most evocative being its construction over twelve years using 1,200 artisans – and the stories about the deep commitment of its master builder, Bisu Moharana, to the project, in which his son (who was born during this period) later became involved. Konârk’s location and name are important testimonies to all the above associations, and its architectural realization is associated with the living traditions of Brahmanism and tantric practices.

Criterion (i): A unique artistic achievement, the temple has raised up those lovely legends that are affiliated everywhere with absolute works of art: its construction caused the mobilization of 1,200 workers for 12 years. The architect, Bisu Moharana, having left his birthplace to devote himself to his work, became the father of a son while he was away. This son, in turn, became part of the workshop and after having constructed the cupola of the temple, which his father was unable to complete, immolated himself by jumping into space.

Criterion (ii): Directly and materially linked to the Brahman beliefs, Konârak is the invaluable link in the history of the diffusion of the cult of Surya, which originated in Kashmir during the 8^th century, finally reached the shores of Eastern India.

THE REASON FOR THE COLLAPSE OF THE TEMPLE

Various types of stones with different properties are used in this temple. Chlorite was used for the door lintel and frames as well as some sculptures. Laterite was used for the core of the platform and staircases near the Adhistanam. Khondalite was used for other parts of the temple. Since the Khondalite stone weathers faster over time, this may lead to the collapse of the structures.

CHHAYADEVI TEMPLE (1100- 1200 CE)

This temple is dedicated to the Chhayadevi, the consort of Surya or the sun god, built in the 12^th to 13^th Century. Door Guardians or the Dwarapalakas are shown as bas reliefs on the door frames. The koshtas are protruding outside. The temple was built with bricks and the remains are only the adhistanam.

AS A WORLD HERITAGE MONUMENT, PROTECTION AND MANAGEMENT.

The Sun Temple, Konârak is protected under the National Framework of India by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act (1958) and its Rules (1959). Other relevant protective legislation includes the Forest Act, the Konârak Development Act, and the Notified Council Area Act. All conservation programs are undertaken by the Archaeological Survey of India through its national, regional, and local representatives. There are five management-related plans: safety, environment, master planning, environmental development, and tourism. World Heritage funding was received to carry out an assessment of structural stability. Sustaining the Outstanding Universal Value of the property over time will require continuing the structural and material conservation of the main Jagamohana structure and its sculptures; establishing a stronger functional integration of local and central authorities; including the larger landscape setting into the regulated area for development; and addressing the identified threats related to development pressure, environmental pressure, tourism pressure, natural disasters, and local population growth.

SAPTAMATRIKAS TEMPLE

In addition to the Sun Temple, there is a Saptamatrikas temple on the Southwest corner of the complex. The Saptamatrikas are under worship.