Konark Sun Temple facts reveal the unbelievable talent of ancient Indian architecture and craftsmanship. The idol inside the temple shines with the first rays of the sun. Konark, a city in Odisha, is home to a marvelous monument that shines with the first rays of the sun. After seeing the Konark Sun Temple, you will feel the Sun God is riding his chariot with 7 horses. This Temple is also known as Konark Temple. Today, you will learn some unique and mysterious facts about the Konark Sun Temple that you might not have heard about before. This knowledge will make you sound cool among your friends.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
1984, the Konark Sun Temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is recognised as one of the greatest architectural marvels in the world. UNESCO protects and preserves the temple because of its historical, cultural, and artistic importance. Surprising and hidden Secrets of Konark Sun Temple facts make the a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
25+ Interesting Konark Sun Temple Facts
Let’s know about 25+ amazing Konark Sun Temple Facts
1. The First Sunray Fact
Konark Sun Temple Facts reveal that this place receives the first sunlight in this region. The Konark Sun Temple is not only popular in India but all around the world. This Sun Temple is a great example of Kalinga Architecture. Temples made with Kalinga Architecture are the pride of Hindu and Sanatani people. The Konark Temple is made as a Chariot with 12 wheels on each side. This beautiful Temple stands tall between these 24wheels.
2. Construction Fact
Konark Sun Temple Facts tell us that the construction of this Temple started in the 13th Century with the help of 1200 workers. This Temple was made by Raja Narasimha Deva Ji of the Ganga Empire. The construction of this Temple lasted from 1238-64. It is believed that around 1200 labourers were used for its construction. Another unique thing about this is that at that time, people considered the Konark Sun Temple nothing less than magic. Bisu Maharana was the chief architect who constructed this Temple in 12 years.
3. Magnetic Gumbad Fact
Konark Sun Temple Facts include the fascinating magnets in the dome (peak or the dome) of the temple was built using magnets. Three tons of magnets were used at the bottom, and fifty tons of magnets were used at the top, and it was perfectly balanced. Five temples were made of sandstone. But today, only 1 temple survives, and it is known as the Prarthana (Prayer) Mandir. The main temple, which was damaged, was about 227 feet high.
4. Complex Fact
One interesting Konark Sun Temple facts is that the temple complex was divided into 5 parts. But today you will find only one temple which is standing properly. It is said that a magnetic field was used in the construction of the temple to maintain balance. The main reason for floating the idol in the middle in the Konark temple is because three tons of magnets were installed bottom of the Konark Sun Temple, and fifty tons of magnets were installed at the top of the Konark Sun Temple. This is the reason the idol in the middle in this temple and the whole temple was balanced. When the magnet was dropped, this temple was destroyed. The structure of the temple broke, and the temple collapsed
5 The Temple’s Layout Fact
Another amazing Konark Sun Temple fact is that it was built across a massive 12 acres of land. It is divided into 5 Temples. Natmandir, Chaya Mandir, Vimana, Prarthana Mandir and Maya Mandir.
- Natmandir: Natmandir was used for cultural dance shows, where female servants of God used to dance.
- Prarthana Temple: Prathana temple were joint. Where devotees used to pray. It has 24 wheels around the walls. 12 on the right side and 12 on the left side.
- Main mandir: The main Temple is called Vimana, and the main temple and prathna temple were joint.
- Chaya Temple and Maya Temple; Chaya and Maya are the names of the wives of the Sun God. Their Temples can be found inside the complex ( prathna mandir )
6. Sun Clock fact
A lesser-known Konark Sun Temple facts is that its design even reflects elements of the Hindu calendar. where a month is divided into 30 days; 15 days are Skula Paksha, and days are called Krishna Paksha. This Temple is made following the sun clock. This means the Temple wheel acts as a Natural Clock. During the sunrise, you can guess the time while looking at the left side of the Temple. During Sunset You can see it from the right side of the Temple. The wheel clock and your watch or mobile clock are an exact match.
7. Ashtadhatu Fact:
A fascinating Konark Sun Temple facts is that the first rays of the sun can be seen on the Natmandap. As we progress throughout the day, the sunlight will travel from one temple to another. As the sunrays hit the idol of the Temple and reflect, during this time, you will feel as if the sunlight is coming from inside the Temple.
8. Sunrise miracle Fact
An intriguing Konark Sun Temple facts is that ‘Ashtah’ “Ashtah” means” 8 Pahar, which means 3 hours. And according to these 8 pahars, different miracles happen in these 8 pahars in the Templ. During the first pahar ( sunrise), the first sunrays reach the Ashtadhatu idol of the Temple. After the sunrays are reflected on the idol’s surface, it would feel as if the sunrays are coming out of the idol. All the devotees who came for darshan during First pahar (sunrays )it be can see and feel this miracle in the Konark Sun Temple.
This miracle in the Konark Sun Temple you could see and feel only on the first pahar.However, after the destruction of the Konark Sun Temple, nothing this happens anymore. This miracle cannot be experienced Today.
9. The 8-hour Fact:
A fascinating Konark Sun Temple fact is that A day is divided into 8 Pahar(periods of 3 hours). The first 4 Pahars are very special in the Konark the Sun Temple. Every Pahar has a different significance in this Temple. The architecture is made in such a way of this konark sun temple.
- First Pahar: During the First Pahar(6-8 AM), the sunlight would reflect on the Ashtadhatu Idol.
- Second Pahar: During the 2nd Pahar( 9-11 AM), the sunlight would touch the Sun God idol in the South.
- Third Pahar: During the 3rd Pahar(12-2 PM), the sunlight would touch the Madhya Suryade idol.
- Fourth Pahar : The 4th Pahar (Ashta Surya) from 3-5PM. The sunlight would touch the Ahsta Surya idol.
10. The Vastu Fact
An interesting Konark Sun Temple facts is the temple’s Vastu design. The Vastu was made in such a way that you will find Air Ventilation (air) from the West. In the South, you will keep preference to Knowledge; in the North, you will keep all the valuables; and in the East, you will keep the Water storage. While looking at the Konark Sun Temple layout, you will find 3 entrances. The main entrance is from the East side, and the rest 2 entrances are from the South and North sides. The layout is made with the help of Vastu. On the southeast side, you will find a kitchen and a waterbody. The south gate is called Ashok Gate, also known as the Gate of Knowledge. The North Gate is called Treasury Gate. You will find a well near the North Gate, too. The layout was made considering the Vastu Shastra.
11. Entrance Fact
A fascinating Konark Sun Temple facts is that, like other Hindu temples. If you visit any Temple, you will find an Elephant or Lion as Dwarpal. And if you visit the Shiv Ji temple, you will find Nandi Ji as Dwarpall. You will find an idol of Dwarpal in every Hindu Temple. When it comes to the Konark Sun temple, you will see 3 idols as Dwarpal. The first idol is a Man, the second idol is an Elephant, and the Third idol is a Lion. The one who made this temple entrance was known as King Narmisha Dev, and the entrance is represented on King Narmisha Dev’s name. The represent to his name: Nar “mean” A man, Singha “ mean” A lion ” An Elephant “mean” Dev. This entrance represents of king’s Name.
12. Three Religion Facts
There’s another Konark Sun Temple facts regarding the Dwarpal. The Dwarpal of Sun Temple is an example of 3 religions. The 3 religions according to chronological order are: Sanatan, Buddhism and Hinduism.
If we look at religion chronologically, the first religion was Sanatan, the second Religion was Buddhism, and the third religion was Hinduism. Sanatan Dharma- Man, Buddhism- Elephant, Hinduism- Lion. There is a deep message hidden inside this Entrance statue.
Significance of the three statues
The elephant signifies money, and the lion signifies strength and power. When man has too much power and money, a man becomes egoistic. Most of the time, that is the reason for the downfall of an egoistic man.
13. Temple Construction Fact
A fascinating Konark Sun Temple facts is that the labourers built this temple around 800 years ago, and you know that nothing lasts forever. But you will be surprised to know that the idols and the carvings on the Temple portray different stories to us, and It is still visible today. Constructing such masterpieces 800 years ago must have been a great achievement. You can also see the ‘Namaste’ idols as well as some idols depicting our different dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kucchipudi and Odishi dance. They depict our moral values and traditions.
Cultural Carvings on Temple Walls
Our Morals, like wishing Namaste to our guests, are portrayed on this wall of Konark Sun Temple, and you can see the idols dancing in various art forms like Kucchipudi, Bharatnatyam, Odisi Dance, etc. were portrayed perfectly by the labourers. These Morals and Culture make us special among all the other countries. You will find various idols and carvings on the walls of this Temple.
14. Makeup Depiction fact
One of the most interesting Konar Sun Temple facts is that it is a made-up fact. How to apply makeup for the married women while keeping respect for their husbands in mind. These types of Idols are very well depicted on the wall of the Konark Sun Temple. While exploring different idols of the Sun Temple, you will come across an idol of a woman applying make-up. Idols were used to spread knowledge and awareness at that time. For women, it taught how to do makeup and dress up perfectly. Not only this, but also taught that how a womencook and do others household work too. These all can be found in the idols of the Konark SuryaMandir wall.
15. The kitchen Fact
A fascinating Konark Sun Temple facts is that the temple was built under the rule of Raja Narsimha Dev, and the labourers had kept Vastu Shastra in mind during construction. Air from the West direction, Knowledge from the South direction, Treasure in the North direction and Water in the East direction. The southeast direction was, therefore, used to make the Kitchen. This kitchen is dedicated to God. The labourers used to offer food and prayer to God, and then only they would have their food. In the Southeast part of the Temple, you will find the Ancient Kitchen. Food Bhog for the deity was prepared back then. You can see the ancient grinding stone, stove, and washing sink. You will also see a well near the kitchen, which is the source of Drinking water.
16. Nata Mandap Fact
A Notable Konark Sun Temple facts is that the Nata Mandap is the first building that you will come across in this Temple. It is the exact place where servants of God used to dance with God. Earlier, the height of this temple was 90 feet, and now it is just 35 feet. From here, you can also look at the Ashtadhatu idol.
17. Modern Depiction Fact
An intriguing Konark Sun Temple facts is that you can see such types of depiction on the temple wall, showing the idols wearing handbags, sandals, applying makeup. You can also see the carvings of birds used as a postal service. You can see the idols using umbrellas. the carvings of idols using couch and various idols across on the Temple. In the 13th Century, these idols were also using modern makeup materials. High heels, hairstyles, handbags, makeup, and lipsticks. Even you see an idol depicting a fight between 2 women. just like WWE. It means that people knew about the modern world at that time.
18. The Horse Chariot Fact
A fascinating Konark Sun Temple facts is that when you look at the Temple, you feel that the sun temple looks like in the form of a character. You can spot the 7 horses of the character. These 7 horses depicted the 7 horses form the character of the sun God. These 7 horses are pulling a character that has 24 wheels and an idol of a sun God, which has 12 wheels on the side and 12 wheels on the left side. But the Konark Sun Temple is damaged from many years, so you can not spot the 7 horses today.
19. Saarthi Fact
An interesting Konark Sun Temple facts is that the temple was designed in the form of a character. There should be a sharthi (Driver) too. Garuda Dev was considered to be the sarthi of this character whose pole was installed in this temple. You can see the exact pole, Aruna Stambh, in the entry of Jagnnath Puri.It was shifted to Jagannath Puri from Konark. The charioteer of this chariot can be found in Jagannath Puri. This chariot is called Digvijay, which consists of 7 Horses and 24 Wheels.
20. The Sun Clock Fact
A fascinating Konark Sun Temple facts is that all the 24 wheels on the Konark Sun Temple’s character are made like a natural clock. If you put a scale on the wheel, you will see its shadow on different segments of the clock. And the accuracy of this clock is upto perfect. Although the dials are anticlockwise compared to a normal clock. This clock is also known as a mirror clock. A Normal clock has 24 hands, but the sun clock is different. This clock is divided into 16 hands, and each hand represent 45 minutes. When you multiply them, it comes to 12 hours. The usage of the sundial varies from time to time; each hand represents 45 minutes. 60 dots represent minutes.
Mirror clock
The accuracy of this clock is upto perfect. Although the dials are anticlockwise compared to a normal clock. This clock is also known as a mirror clock. A normal clock has 24 hands but that is not the case with the sun clock. This clock is divided into 16 hands, each hand depicts 45 minutes. When you multiply them, it comes to 12 hours.
21. Life cycle Fact
An intriguing Konark Sun Temple facts is that In the wheel, you will find various carvings; one of them is the jeewan chakra (life cycle). You can see the life of a person beautifully carved on this wheel. A man’s 8 pahar are depicted on these wheels. You can see on this wheel that the idol wakes up in the morning, then goes for a hunt on your horse. After hunting From Morning to Night, you come back the females wait for you at home, and then you go to sleep. This life cycle is clearly depicted on the wheel.
22. Ashok Dwar Fact
A Notable Konark Sun Temple facts is that south side of the Temple, you will find a gate named Ashok Dwar. This Gate is a symbol of Knowledge. You can see Horse statues on this gate. and the Horse is a symbol of Knowledge. You can see the photo of this gate on the Odisha Postal Stamp.
23. Samudra Manthan Fact
A captivating Konark Sun Temple facts is that the Hindu Mythology episode of Samudra Manthan is pretty well-depicted on the walls. You can see the episode of Samudra Manthan carved on the walls. Gods and Demons together churned the ocean. It is very well carved on the walls of the Temple.
24. Palanquin Arts.
One eye-catching Konark Sun Temple facts is that different art on the Konark Sun Temple wall. One example is are Palanquin for a bride. Brides were carried in Palanquin earlier, You can see different expressions and feelings portrayed by the idols; it is clearly shown on the wall. And there’s an episode of God Lord Narsinghdev save prahlad. These wheels are also showcased on our 10 INR note. You will find more such art Marvels
25. Iron Lock System Fact
A remarkable Konark Sun Temple facts is that the Stones were being carved by hand and it was cut into smaller pieces. They were attached together with the help of iron clips. Cement wasn’t invented at that time, even cranes were not available. Creating this marvel 800 years ago was impossible. Cement was not invented in the 13th century. This temple was created by breaking and joining stones. An iron lock system was used to join these stones together. Also join stone, limestone, jaggery and sand were used.
26. Chaaya and Maya Fact
A unique Konark Sun Temple facts is that the Sun God, to whom the temple is dedicated, had two wives, Chhaya Devi and Mayadevi. Chaya “means” Pratibimba (reflection) and Maya” mean” Pratiroopa (Representative). Behind the Sun Temple, you will find 2 more Temples. These Temples are dedicated to God sun wives, Chaya Devi and Maya Devi. It is said that wherever there’s light, you will find shade and reflection. Devi Chhaya is considered a reflection of the god Sun, and Devi Maya is considered a Representative of the God sun. These temples still stand tall today.
27. Kamal, Shank and Surya Fact
A fascinating Konark Sun Temple fact is that three major temples in Odisha are designed based on distinct inspirations. Odisha have taken inspiration from various objects as their design. Bhubaneswar, Konark, and Puri are considered to be part of the Golden Triangle. Every Temple has its own design. The Konark Sun Temple is designed like a Lotus, the Jagannath Puri’s Design is like a conch, and Bhubaneswar’s Linraj Temple is designed like the sun. These cities are considered the Golden Triangle of Odisha.
28. Temple’s Door Fact
A striking Konark Sun Temple fact is that the Main Entry gate of this Temple is broken today. But a part of that Gate is kept in front of the temple. Without electricity and modern technology, this gate opened and closed automatically at that time. As Gate is made up granite and sound and air can pass through it. The uniqueness of this gate makes this temple so mysterious. Now, ASI has kept it under a barricade. It is also said that sound passes through this granite.
29. The Iron Beam
An intriguing Konark Sun Temple fact is that the iron used in the temple’s construction, over 800 years ago. In today’s time, you see iron gots rusted easily. Till today, we don’t know how this iron was extracted. The iron of this temple was used 800 years ago for the Temple’s construction.The Department had successfully preserved the iron. The iron from the demolished Vimana part of the Temple is kept in the Temple. The rod is 800 years old and has not rusted till now. It is also said that these iron pillars were more powerful than today’s pillars. Once, this Temple used to stand tall on these pillars.
FAQ About Konark Temple Facts
1. Where is the Konark Sun Temple situated?
The Konark Sun Temple is situated in the Puri district of Odisha, India, close to the Bay of Bengal.
2. Who is the Sun God represented in the temple?
The temple is dedicated to Surya, the Hindu Sun God, and features three images of him in various positions, symbolizing morning, noon, and evening.
3. What makes the Konark Sun Temple renowned?
The temple is renowned for its breathtaking architecture, detailed carvings, and its distinctive structure resembling a chariot dedicated to the Sun God, Surya.
4. What architectural style characterizes the Konark Sun Temple?
The temple exemplifies the Kalinga architectural style and is designed to resemble a grand chariot featuring 12 large wheels and seven horses.
5. What do the wheels of the Konark Sun Temple symbolize?
The 12 wheels of the temple represent the 12 months of the year and also serve as sundials.
6. Why is the Konark Sun Temple referred to as the ‘Black Pagoda’?
European sailors referred to the temple as the Black Pagoda due to its dark stone and its silhouette when viewed from the sea.
7. What is the importance of the temple’s orientation?
The temple is oriented so that the first rays of the sun at dawn illuminate the main entrance and the idol of Surya within.
8. Is the Konark Sun Temple currently used for worship?
No, the temple is no longer utilized for worship, as the main sanctum has collapsed, and the idol of Surya is absent.
9. What caused the collapse of the main sanctum of the temple?
Historians suggest that the sanctum may have collapsed due to natural factors, structural deficiencies, or potential invasions.
10 What are some notable sculptures found within the temple?
The temple showcases intricate carvings of deities, celestial beings, musicians, dancers, animals, and scenes from mythology.
