2017-03-09 Thu

India is very rich in its cultural Heritage. Each and every state in India has a heritage marvel.

The state of Orissa is blessed with an architectural wonder: ‘The Sun Temple’.

The word 'Konark' is a combination of two words 'Kona' and 'Arka'. 'Kona' means 'Corner' and 'Arka' means 'Sun', so when combined it becomes 'Sun of the Corner'. Konark Sun Temple is situated on the north-eastern corner of Puri and is dedicated to Sun God.

There are three images of the Sun God at three different sides of the temple, positioned in a proper direction to catch the rays of the sun at morning, noon and evening.

Sun Temple of Konark, built in the middle of 13th century, is a massive conception of artistic magnificence and engineering. King Narasimhadeva I, the great ruler of the Ganga dynasty had built this temple, with the help of 1200 artisans within a period of 12 years (1243-1255 A.D.). Since the ruler used to worship the Sun, the temple was considered as a chariot for the Sun God.

India Post issued a stamp of a setenant pair depicting the Sun temple and the Wheelin the denomination of INR 19 AND INR 4 respectively.

Rabindranath Tagore wrote of Konark, "Here the language of stone surpasses the language of man."